It is important for a teacher to be a researcher because the exchange of new methodologies enhances the teaching experience for the teacher and also the learning experience for students. New approaches in the classroom helps the teacher to develop existing ways of teaching but also welcome new ways of teaching. By continuing to research, the teacher feeds into their professional development. Research can be conducted in the classroom and also outside of the classroom by participating in in-service days, being part of a network such as FéILTE to share ideas, joining various artistic groups such as VAI etc. to link artist identity with the researcher identity. My art practice is also a form as research by reflecting and discovering new ways of making, I can then translate this into my lessons.