Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a core part of our teacher training programme and underpins all areas of the course, from trainee wellbeing and pastoral support to trainee recruitment and course curriculum
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Leaders have designed, and skilfully deliver, a course that encompasses additional curriculum components such as diversity, equity and inclusion and the ‘IL6’ professional attributes. This reflects a course that exceeds the minimum requirements set out in the Department for Education’s core content framework.
Outstanding Ofsted, May 2023
Our DEI conference energises trainees’ passion for DEI in the very first week of the course. All cohorts come together to celebrate the importance of diversity in education and learn from both educators and experts in the field, sharing their insights and lived experiences. Past keynotes have been by Claire Birkenshaw, Bennie Kara and Halil Tamgumus.
Building on the conference, each half term trainees attend seminars with experts. These sessions are designed to explore individual topics in-depth and provide opportunities for discussion, which help to build trainee confidence in addressing DEI, positive mental health and future trends.
Inspiring Leaders are part of a collaboration of ITT providers in the East Midlands who have committed to a pledge to ensure trainees and teachers are protected from discrimination, harassment or victimisation due to protected characteristics.
As part of this collaboration there are half termly networks, such a Black and Global Majority and LGBT+ trainee and aspirant teachers, providing opportunities for trainee teachers to connect with and listen to authentic voices.
As part of the course, there are opportunities to engage in research projects looking at specific areas of inclusion within schools. Former trainees have found this to be a highlight of the course and a powerful opportunity to begin to affect change in their schools and local contexts.
Our DEI programme aims to empower our trainees and give them the knowledge and confidence to address and embed DEI in their teaching practice. We create a ‘Golden Thread’ where trainees can weave diversity, equity and inclusion through all aspects of school life.
As a partnership of our academy trusts and teaching Hubs, we have access to a wide range of professional networks, as well as being able to offer one to one advice and support for trainees.
I am proud to belong to a cohort that recognises the challenges and who, at the heart of things, want to see a change.
Carina Jolly, Chemistry trainee
We are proud to be working in partnership with Now Teach to support career changers to find secondary teaching courses that are right for them. Now Teach is a charity that finds and supports career changers in their transition into secondary teaching.
Now Teach partner with schools, universities and training providers, support career changers and connect them with a strong professional network to amplify impact and accelerate progress.
In five years, Now Teach has recruited over 500 people who have trained as teachers with 70+ different teacher training providers. The Now Teach network and support has enabled Now Teachers to innovate in secondary schools, bring their experience from industry and apply it in the classroom.
Now Teach offer teacher training advice, opportunities to join professional networks and have a wealth of other resources you will find useful.
One of Azuraye’s great quotes, which will stick with me throughout my entire career, is, “you can’t be what you can’t see.” This is why representation matters. We should expose students to knowledge about who and what they can be.
MaeMae Millichamp, English trainee