An authentic voice for education
I have been NEU president for the last year, but this September I will go back to the classroom and the job I love. I am a primary teacher who has also taught in secondary schools along with SEND and AP provision. Having taught every year group from Nursery to Year 11 I have a wealth of experience and am uniquely placed to raise arguments for a more progressive vision of education.
I believe it is classroom educators who must be the loudest voice in shaping our union. We must reclaim education and put children back at the centre. We must insist on creativity, joy and a love of learning. Valuing the professionalism of educators will ensure this spirit breathes in our schools.
Unity in action
I am a Joint District Secretary in North Tyneside, where we have developed a joint working model with NASUWT. We have jointly negotiated and implemented Local Authority-wide maternity, domestic violence and menopause policies as well as many others.
I have over a decade of experience leading within the wider movement against racism and poverty. As a former National Officer for the People’s Assembly Against Austerity, I have played a central role in building union collaboration against government cuts.
I know we are stronger when we work together. I am the candidate who is able to keep our union on a united footing and has the experience of working with other trade unions in collective struggles. We will build unity in action on the issues that matter to us.
For equality and social justice
My record of fighting for equality is second to none. I was proud to be awarded the Blair Peach award in 2017 in recognition of this. If I am elected General Secretary, you can be guaranteed our union will fight sexism, fight racism and advance LGBT and disability rights.
Within the union I spearheaded the anti-racist charter, raised the decolonising agenda and doubled the number of black reps whilst the constituency holder for Black Members.
In the wider movement I have led Newcastle Unites, coordinated the Northeast Region for Stand Up To Racism and organised Newcastle Unity Festival, a free anti-racist music festival funded by NASUWT, NUT, RMT, UNISON and UNITE.
I am determined that our union will improve the material lives of our members by bargaining for equality at work.