We have some amazing EDI practitioners out there in the world, and here is a beginning (and what will become an ever growing) list of people to check out;
People:
Dr Adam Brett (he/him) - @DrAdamBrett on Twitter
Adam is soon to be a Lecturer of Education at the University of Derby, having been a teacher in Secondary Education for 15 years. In this time, Adam has covered many different aspects of the profession, including working in Behaviour Management, and his ultimate calling, Teacher training and development. Outside of his work in schools, Adam completed his Doctorate in LGBT inclusion in Schools, and is already taking the world of academia by storm with a published article, soon to be published book and popular podcast named 'Pride and Progress' (both with Jo Brassington - links available under the Resources page).
I met Adam during my Teacher training in the 2020/21 academic year. Disclaimer - He was my SCITT hub lead! Adam is one of the most kind and gentle souls I have ever worked with. Incredibly patient and very loyal, Adam always has time for a catch up, and in particular, has guided me on my own journey into EDI work (you could say he is my unofficial mentor). I cannot thank him enough for the inspiration and joy he has given me and so many other educators coming into this profession (and to those who have been in the game for 20+ years).
Jo Brassington (they/them) - @jobrassington on Twitter
Jo is a qualified Primary School teacher, having recently stepped out of the classroom to become a beacon of hope, positivity and education on all things identity. As a non-binary educator, Jo uses their unique lived experience to deliver sessions to schools, be it primary or secondary, students or staff - and is being gratefully received by their hosts. Along with fellow educator and brother, Tom, Jo has published an education tool designed to help students (particularly younger students) to regulate their emotions and develop a sense of emotional intelligence, neatly named 'Bottled' (links available under Resources page) which has been well received into classrooms. Jo is now a facilitator with Diverse Educators, as well as the Co-Host of the popular LGBTQ+ inclusion podcast 'Pride and Progress' alongside Dr Adam Brett. Both are due to publish their book based on the podcast series later this year (links on Resources page).
I got to know Jo through Teacher Twitter (which is not a separate version of the social media platform - though not a bad idea, Scotty!), and over time, seeing them progress in their educational practice and the development of 'Bottled' and then finding out Jo would be working with Adam on 'Pride and Progress' made me very happy indeed. Even more so when I was invited onto the podcast (Series 1, Episode 15 - link in the Resources page) to talk with Jo, I instantly got that warmth and sheer joy that Jo exudes. They are one to be watched in the profession - off to do amazing things, and very proud to have been a part of their journey.
George White (he/him) - @TransCatholicRE on Twitter
George is a Religious Studies teacher at a Catholic School. Representing the Trans community (and fiercely so!) in the profession both in his region and nationally. George is also the Diversity and Inclusion lead for his school, meaning he use the latest data, research and developments to effectively help his school in being the inclusive and safe space it needs to be for all students. George has also been able to discuss and represent the LGBTQ+ community in written pieces for the likes of Pink News, appeared on BBC Radio, GB News and in media pieces for Just Like You (link to their page on Resources page).
I first got to know George after listening to his episode on 'Pride and Progress' (Series 1, Episode 2) where George openly talked about their experience as both a Transgender Man, and a Catholic. It is refreshing and eye opening to see George talk so positively about our Trans siblings, especially when there are those who seek to divide us. Since his podcast episode went out, I have gotten to know George through Twitter, and cannot wait for the day that we meet in person!
Hannah Wilson (she/her) - @EthicalLeader on Twitter
Hannah is the Director and Co-Founder of Diverse Educators, an internationally recognised organisation which champions the celebration of our uniqueness (hence their motto being 'Be where you are celebrated, not tolerated'). Prior to this, Hannah is an experienced teacher and leader, having worked up to Executive Headship. Hannah is a pillar to the EDI community and the resources she has created and the space with it (alongside Co-Founder, Bennie Kara) is phenomenal and awe-inspiring. Alongside with Bennie, and a number of other EDI professionals, Hannah published a book 'Diverse Educators - A Manifesto' in 2022 (link to order in Resources page), and this has been an invaluable resource for many educators.
I saw Hannah on my phone screen when scrolling through Twitter, hosting a Diverse Educators conference, I was instantly intrigued to see what was happening, and before long, I was exposed to the wonders of EDI. Furthermore, I had also began working on my group project for my SCITT portfolio on EDI, so our group got in touch with Hannah - who gave us incredibly valuable feedback and advice to take on board. Since then, Hannah has been incredibly generous to me with guidance and support as I take my own journey into EDI. A really great person and an inspiring leader for sure.
Bennie Kara (she/her) - @BennieKara on Twitter
Bennie is the Co-Founder (alongside Hannah Wilson) of Diverse Educators. She is also a Deputy Headteacher, with a remit in Teaching and Learning. Bennie regularly chairs and hosts conferences for Diverse Educators' events, as well as going into educational spaces to deliver EDI workshops and CPD sessions. Bennie is a pillar to the EDI community, and having a strong, bisexual, female figure who is an inspiring leader for her school and fellow educators is most refreshing. Along with her regular work for Diverse Educators, Bennie (with Hannah) published 'Diverse Educators: A Manifesto' last year as well as her own lovely work in 'Little Guide for Teachers: Diversity in Schools' (link in Resources page).
I absolutely adore Bennie. A delightfully infectious personality with a heart of Gold to match. Since following Bennie on my Twitter (and realising she worked with my old Head of English and Media Studies teacher, Caroline Spalding), the world just seems to be a happier place. From tweeting each other with rejigged lines of 'Worse Things I Could Do' from Grease (we made it very Gay! And we're not sorry!) to general affirmations of support, Bennie is a genuine and lovely soul, and I am grateful to her friendship (one hopes I will get to meet her in person soon!).
Organisations:
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