#WomenEd Unconference

So, had an amazing day at the first WomenEd unconference yesterday. Kindly hosted by Microsoft, at Cardinal Place. The day opened with some inspiring speeches that helped not only put you at ease but remind you why you were there. It was a non-stop busy day, and I won't lie I was shattered on the bus home, but it was definitely worth it.

The first session I went to was about Feminist Leadership; an incredible discussion led by Kay Fuller that really got us not only thinking but talking about what feminist leadership was and what it looked like in the educational world. I came away with so much to think about, and so much more that I wanted to find out. So a huge thank you to Kay for such a wonderful start to the day.

I then went to an interesting discussion about the use of academic work and research in informing the public debate about social justice in education. This was chaired by Dr Ruth Boyask and the discussion that followed got me thinking about the dilemma that we seem to have in education. We have politicians making educational policy who have not taught, or lack the long-term experience of education. What can work in a manifesto may not work in the classroom, and this was what we discussed. The trouble we found was how you encourage people/schools to try out educational theory, research it in meaningful depth and then use this to feed into policy. A fascinating talk, with a lot of food for thought.

It was a quick sprint over to the auditorium for the next session, which was absolutely packed. This was to hear Jill Berry speak about how every teacher is a leader. The session was full of fascinating anecdotes and experiences as well as practical and realistic advice. Jill was an engaging and honest speaker! I particularly liked the admissions about her thesis (a kindred spirit!) The encouragement to think about support, mentoring and leadership was so important. This is the only way that as women we will begin to break the glass ceiling in terms of leadership and challenge.

Finally I went to an incredible session titled 'You can't be what you can't see' led by Bennie Kara, this was a session exploring the importance of diversity in leadership. The only way we will encourage current students to consider education or leadership is by showing positive role models, this is something we all need to engage with. To ensure that our students, and colleagues, can be the best they can. Some really interesting points came out during the discussion that certainly got me thinking.

Then came my session! I led a session looking at how you can manage your mental health. It started as a discussion about what had brought colleagues to this session, which included some poignant and powerful examples (if that isn't cliched to say that). I was so grateful that people had the bravery and courage to share some of these things. A year ago I certainly don't think I would have had the courage to have done so. This is why #WomenEd matters, if it encourages just a handful of woment o be that 10% braver it has already achieved so much.

A truly amazing day!