John Kearney

Mr. John Kearney is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The National Council for Special Education plays a hugely important role in planning and coordinating supports for children with special educational and additional care needs.

The CEO reports to the chair and the council of the NCSE, guiding the council’s vision, goals and strategy.

John has previously progressed the delivery of contemporary special education facilities and the expansion of further education and training progression routes for students with special educational needs as Chief Executive of the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB). John has previously served as Education Officer with CMETB and as Principal of Breifne College, Cavan Town. The Cork-born native joined County Cavan VEC in 2002 as school principal from his teaching position in St Colman’s College, Fermoy, Co Cork.

John has a deep-rooted passion for special education and as leader of the NCSE is eager to continue developing effective stakeholder relationships in supporting the collective implementation of the vision, goals and strategy of an inclusive education system for children with special educational needs.