Academic biography

Dr Caitríona Ní Cassaithe specialises in the teaching and learning of primary history education and regularly contributes to curriculum development, public history and policy discourse at both national and international levels. Her work sits at the intersection of research, pedagogy and public engagement in shaping how the past is understood and taught across both educational and cultural spaces. 

Caitriona's expertise lies in the development of children's historical thinking and historical enquiry. Her approach to history education also includes heritage and place-based education, controversial issues, outdoor education with a focus on sustainability, and disciplinary literacy.  She also has a strong interest in promoting Irish Traveller and Roma history. A committed and innovative educator, her teaching philosophy values transformative learning experiences where she combines disciplinary knowledge, active learning and digital technology with historical enquiry to create real-world relevance for her students (and their students). As a member of DCU’s Centre for Human Rights and Citizenship Education and the Educational Disadvantage Centre, Caitríona’s work speaks to her commitment to inclusion, equality and public good. 

In 2024, her first co-edited book (with Dr Benjamin Mallon and Prof Fionnuala Waldron) 'Pushing the boundaries of human rights education: Concepts, challenges and contexts.' was published by Routledge. Aimed at educators, researchers and practitioners, this book offers new insights into HRE, particularly in the context of issues relating to children’s rights education and participation. Her co-edited book (with Dr Amy Allen and Dr Anne Marie Kavanagh) ‘Beyond Single Stories: Changing Narratives for a Changing World’