We spoke with him about connecting classroom practice with innovation across our Trust.

Q: Tell us about your role, Jack.
A: I wear two hats. I lead the Maths team at Cranbury College, and I also work as Lead Practitioner for Research and Innovation for the Special and Alternative Provision Hub. The two roles complement each other well – one focuses on delivering high-quality maths teaching, and the other on supporting colleagues across our Trust with their professional development and research-informed practice.

Q: You were nominated for Team Talks for your mentoring work. Tell us more about that.
A: One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been mentoring colleagues. For example, I’ve worked closely with Julie Syed, who started as an Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) specialising in maths at Cranbury. Over several years, I’ve supported her journey from HLTA to qualified teacher, Individual Learning Plan lead (ILP), associate senior leader – and most recently I’ve been tutoring her in maths so she can achieve a higher-level GCSE. Julie is now on a pathway towards senior leadership, which is something we could only have imagined in the early days.

For me, this kind of long-term career development is vital. Every colleague deserves to feel supported and to know there’s a pathway for them, whatever role they start in. Seeing colleagues grow and thrive is hugely rewarding – for them, for me, and most importantly for our students.

“Seeing colleagues grow and thrive is hugely rewarding – for them, for me, and most importantly for our students.”

Q: What motivates you in this work?
A: Recruiting the right people into schools is a real challenge, so developing the staff we already have is powerful. When colleagues are supported to grow, students benefit from an ever-improving service delivered by people who already know them and care deeply about the community. It raises the bar across the school – people see what’s possible and are inspired to aim higher themselves. Personally, it’s one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.

“When colleagues are supported to grow, students benefit from an ever-improving service delivered by people who already know them and care deeply about the community.”

Q: What have you learnt along the way?
A: It’s not just about me – it’s been a team effort. Cranbury College (and our Trust) have a strong culture of professional development and career ambition. Every year, we’re asked to reflect not only on our goals for the year ahead, but for the next five.

That culture creates space for colleagues to be ambitious. What really made the difference, though, was Julie’s determination and resilience. She stuck with it even when the work was tough – and that commitment is what turned goals into reality.

Q: Which MET value connects most strongly to your work?
A: Be Inclusive. I want this kind of journey to be available to every colleague, in every role, across MET. Everyone deserves to feel their career can progress if they want it to – and that’s what inclusivity is all about.

Q: What advice would you give to colleagues starting something similar?
A: Don’t worry about having every detail mapped out from the start. Goals and plans will always shift as you go. The important thing is to set a direction and get moving – the path often emerges as you take those first steps.

Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’m now working across our Special and Alternative Provision Hub to identify colleagues who are ambitious and ready to take the next step in their careers. I’m excited to coach and support more people on their journey – and to see what they go on to achieve.

Huge thanks to Jack for taking the time to Team Talk with us.

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