Hi, I’m Matthew Hutnik!

MEd, BA | Teaching Council Registration Number: 318010

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I've always had a strong interest in how people think and learn, especially adults. Since 2022, I've worked as an Adult and Community Education Teacher based in Sligo, designing and delivering educational programmes for adult learners, community groups and community organisations.

Through my work with Atlas Education, I specialise in digital skills and digital confidence, employability and personal development, academic skills, and creative, community-based learning. Alongside teaching and facilitation, I work with organisations on educational programme design and development, staff training and consultancy, with a particular interest in creating accessible, engaging and meaningful learning experiences.

I hold a Master of Education (MEd) in Adult and Community Education from Maynooth University and a BA (Hons) in English and Psychology from Atlantic Technological University, Sligo. I also hold QQI Level 6 qualifications in Training and Development and Coaching.

My Master's research explored the experiences of older adults learning digital skills in community education, examining how participation in learning can support digital confidence, motivation and engagement with technology. This research has since developed into academic publications, including a paper in the Literacy Association of Ireland's 2026 Conference Proceedings and a journal article in the Journal of Research in Higher Education & Learning at Maynooth University. I've also presented my research and practice at national conferences and professional learning events, sharing insights into digital inclusion, learner confidence and participation beyond the classroom.

An increasingly important focus of my work is connecting educational research with practice, particularly through curriculum and programme development, professional learning for educators, research dissemination and educational consultancy.

I continue to collaborate with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Sligo LEADER, Sligo LCDC and community organisations across the region on a range of educational, training and community development initiatives.

Professional Memberships

Proud member of AONTAS - The National Adult Learning Organisation

Registered member of the Teaching Council of Ireland

Blurred image of people sitting in a row at an indoor event or seminar, attentively listening.

A man explaining something in a classroom, standing in front of a presentation slide. He has dark, wavy hair and is wearing a checkered shirt with rolled-up sleeves. His hands are gesturing as he speaks.

…what do I do?

…where do I do it?

My interests are in community education, personal development and lifelong learning - I believe education is for all and get a lot of satisfaction from helping people to realise their potential. As well as educating adults in community groups I also work with community centres and other organisations providing training and mentoring students and staff. I can design a training programme to suit your group’s needs or discuss previous programmes I’ve ran to see if they would be suitable. Feel free to get in touch to have a chat about what will work best for your group.

Inspiring

learning

A young man wearing a gray shirt and brown bow tie sitting on a bed with his legs stretched out and reading a book. The focus is on his worn brown shoes resting on the edge of the bed, with the young man slightly blurred in the background.

I’m all about motivating adults to learn and improve their skills. Working with community groups, community centres and other organisations, it’s my mission to help others see their potential and develop a love of learning, no matter their age or background.

Broadening

minds

A young man with short hair wearing a black t-shirt and carrying a backpack, standing at an entrance door, looking outside.

Recognising that learners are diverse and require different methods and modes of learning, I provide a wide range of educational offerings from Academic Skills to Digital Skills and CV, Job Interview Skills and Careers Coaching.

Creating

possibilities

A young woman with glasses and short brown hair, wearing a floral dress, is shopping for books in a library or bookstore, browsing shelves filled with books.

Putting the person at the centre of the learning experience, I offer a tailored, holistic approach to meeting educational needs. With a holistic background in Education, the Arts and the Sciences, I use expert training needs analysis and design to see each learner as an individual so I can provide the best possible educational experience for them.