Teacher Voice.

The purpose of education, for me, is twofold: enabling children to find their voice and giving them a meaningful purpose for which to use it.

Modelling this is one of the best ways to empower and inspire young people to this end.

Yet, we’re being restrained 1/5

The past couple of years, I’ve seen a rapid increase in the number of practitioners being accused of ‘politicising’ education.

Being a racist or a feminist now appears to be a political choice. A supporter of the LGBT community as well.

Feeding the poor too? 2/5

Thing is, these are not political matters.

They are matters of humanity.

That striving for equity, supporting campaigns for free school meals and applauding footballers for taking a knee can now provoke emails of complaint to the GTC(S) demanding suspension - it’s grim. 3/5

Moreover, it shows a gross misunderstanding of the role of the teacher.

It is our duty to challenge bias and attitudes where appropriate.

We are to commit to social justice.

We are to stand up for the Equality Act.

4/5

My hope for 2021 is that teachers speak out more on societal issues.

Poverty isn’t political. Homophobia isn’t political. Hunger isn’t political.

These are HUMAN issues that politicians grapple with.

We should use our voice.

5/5