Teach First’s Post

As Joanne (pictured right) steps down after leading our Ethnicity Staff Network, she reflects on the enormous impact the group has had to rewrite the future on herself, on Teach First and across the wider education sector – a timely reflection as we mark #BlackHistoryMonth 💬 “Against this backdrop, our affinity network became more than a support system for staff. It became a space of resistance, healing, learning and celebration.” From writing an open letter in response to the Child Q report, that was signed by a coalition of educators, journalists and politicians demanding systemic change, to speaking on BBC Radio, Joanne chose to use her platform: “Silence is complicity and I chose to speak.” One of her proudest moments was helping ensure authors of colour were no longer invisible in English Literature curriculums. “These victories weren’t just symbolic. They were major shifts that will shape how young people see themselves and others.” Through her leadership, the network championed diverse recruitment pipelines and brought together vital conversations on racial justice in education. 🤝 Read Joanne’s full reflections: https://ow.ly/B7rz50X9aeX