This episode explores educators as parents. Being a parent is a full-time role as is teaching and educational leadership. Both roles are full on! Should ambition dwindle or stall whilst on parental leave? Is it impossible to be an effective parent teacher and leader?
In this conversation, Emma Sheppard – Founder of the MTPT Project, speaks openly and honestly about her journey in education to where she is today. She discusses why she started Maternity Teacher, Paternity Teacher, societal expectations for mothers and gender equality within school leadership.
Emma passionately believes in Continuous Professional Development and that this is still achievable whilst on parental leave. You can be a parent AND an impactful teacher and leader.
It is still easier to be a headteacher and a father, than it is to be a headteacher and a mother.
Emma Sheppard
Founder at The MTPT Project
Emma is Founder of The MTPT Project, the UK’s charity for parent teachers. Training through Teach First in 2010, Emma spent 11 years as an English teacher in the UK and Vietnam, and Lead Practitioner with responsibility for ITT. She now lives in the south of France with her husband and two children, running The MTPT Project and coaching full time.
Learning points:
- The value of choice
- Importance of coaching
- Gratitude for educators as a parent
Resources:
Teacher Development Trust
Books
Unleashing Great Teaching: The Secrets to the Most Effective Teacher Development by David Weston and Bridget Clay
10% Braver: Inspiring Women to Lead Education by Vivienne Porritt and Keziah Featherstone
Being 10% Braver by Keziah Featherstone and Vivienne Porritt
Reports
Coleman, M. (2005) Gender and headship in the 21st century
Worth, J, Bamford, S, and Durbin, B (2015) Should I Stay or Should I go? NFER Analysis of Teachers Joining and Leaving the Profession.
Ministry of Justice (2017) Gender Pay Gap Report
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