Dr. Stephen Quirke is a lecturer in mathematics education at the University of Galway. He began his career as a secondary school mathematics teacher, an experience that continues to inform his research and teaching. Before joining the University of Galway, he served as a lecturer in primary mathematics education at Dublin City University, supporting the development of pre-service teachers.

Dr. Quirke's research explores out-of-field teaching, teacher identity, professional development, and mathematics curriculum reform. His doctoral work focused on the learning and classroom practices of out-of-field mathematics teachers and has been published in a leading international journal. He is involved in national and international collaborations, most notably the OOFTAS-collective- an international collective focused on out-of-field teaching and issues of mathematics teacher supply. Dr. Quirke is also a member of the international expert reference group for the SCOPE-T Project, an Australian research project that seeks to address teacher shortages through innovative professional education approaches.

Dr Quirke leads the Teacher Upskilling Programmes Study, which is investaigating the processes and outcomes of professional development programmes for out-of-field teachers in Ireland. He also the project lead for MathsMinds: Inspiring STEM Futures, a Research Ireland and Department of Education and Youth funded initiative aimed at improving mathematics teaching and inspiring future engagement with STEM subjects.

Dr. Quirke is committed to supporting teachers and contributing to practical improvements in mathematics education.

Dr. Stephen Quirkes research focuses on advancing mathematics education, with particular expertise in out-of-field teaching, teacher identity, professional development, and curriculum reform. His doctoral research investigated the learning and classroom practices of out-of-field mathematics teachers, with findings published in a leading international journal.

As Principal Investigator of the Teacher Upskilling Programmes Study, Dr. Quirke examines the impact of professional learning initiatives for out-of-field teachers in Ireland. He also leads MathsMinds: Inspiring STEM Futures, a project seeking to foster engagement with mathematics and STEM subjects among students. Dr. Quirke collaborates with national and international partners to address critical challenges in mathematics education. He is a member of the reference group for the SCOPE-T Project (Shifting the Culture of Out-of-field Professional Education for Teachers), funded by the Australian Research Council, which models innovative approaches to teacher education and addresses long-term teacher shortages.

His work reflects a strong commitment to improving teacher preparation, supporting curriculum innovation, and empowering educators to excel in diverse and evolving educational contexts.