Staff Spotlight - Alanagh Clegg
Each month, we feature a member of our staff in our Staff Spotlight! This month, we spoke to Alanagh Clegg, art teacher in the Senior School, about her time in Alex.
What drew you to teaching?
I’ve only recently realised that I’ve always wanted to be an art teacher, although it came a bit later in life. At school, I was passionate about art and design, which led me to art college, where I quickly developed a love for textiles and hands-on creation. In my final year, I was awarded for my work, which led to the launch of a womenswear label and seven years in the fashion industry. Although the experience was fulfilling, I always felt a pull back towards education. Initially, I hadn’t considered teaching as a career, but I knew I wanted to continue learning more about art and design. It wasn’t until I started my Masters in Education that I realised teaching was where I felt happiest. I even recall, as a child, trying to steer my primary school teacher towards certain art projects. At the time, I didn’t see it as a sign, but now I look back and wonder why I didn’t realise sooner that teaching had always been my dream.
What makes teaching art interesting to you?
The art curriculum is incredibly broad, which can feel daunting, but as art teachers, we have the freedom to choose what to bring into the classroom to meet learning outcomes. This creative liberty allows us to explore a wide range of topics and skills while adapting to students' interests and strengths. I aim to create meaningful conversations as students explore themes they’re passionate about, helping them discover their unique style and creative voice. I’m always amazed by how differently each student interprets a given brief. The Leaving Cert outcomes have also evolved with the times, with digital media becoming a more integral part of the curriculum. I’ve seen students flourish with digital tools, like drawing on iPads, often showing me new techniques. Last year, one of my Leaving Cert students used her iPad to complete her project, which ultimately inspired her to pursue a university degree in that field.
We’re fortunate to be so close to some of Ireland’s best galleries. Taking students to these galleries and seeing them find their critical voice is incredibly rewarding. Their appreciation for art, whether contemporary or otherwise, is often sparked by these experiences. It’s amazing to see them take ownership of the artwork they’ve encountered and hear their thoughts on contemporary art. These trips have had a transformative effect on both them as young creatives and on us as teachers.
Why did you choose to teach at Alex?
When I saw a teaching position at Alex become available, I immediately printed my CV and drove to the school to submit my application. I knew straight away that I would love to work there. My cousins had attended Alex, and I remember picking them up in their red uniforms and hearing about the wonderful things happening at the school—concerts, trips, and daily assemblies. It felt like so much more than just a school. Over the years, I had friends who attended Alex, and they all shared a common sense of confidence and drive for self-excellence, which always stuck out to me as my own school experience fostered different qualities. From a design perspective, I was also impressed by the school’s website and how the school communicated its sense of care through design, setting it apart from other institutions. Since joining, I’ve been even more impressed by the strong sense of community among staff and students in addition to the emphasis on art and design education that sets Alex apart.
What has been the highlight of your teaching career so far?
It’s hard to choose just one highlight, as there have been many in such a short time. In my first year at Alex, my wonderful colleague Kate Lyons and I had the opportunity to organise the Hermione Exhibition, one of the school’s long standing traditions. We hosted over 100 renowned artists and their work from around Ireland in the beautiful Hermione building. The exhibition featured student art alongside professional works, which was a thrilling experience. For our students, it was an opportunity to see their work displayed in a professional setting, giving them a sense of pride and achievement. Often, in an academic system driven by traditional subjects, art can be overlooked, so this exhibition was a fantastic celebration of student talent. It was heartwarming to see the students take such pride in their work and feel that they were part of something special. On a simpler note, I’ll always remember when a parent told me their daughter had started drawing again at home after attending my class. It’s a reminder of the profound impact teachers can have on students, a gift that can extend far beyond the classroom and hopefully stays with them for life.
