Q: What is your role?
A: My job is to support staff to be the very best they can be – working hard on the operational logistics of the school setting to ensure lesson time is maximised, leading training, and coaching and mentoring staff to enhance their classroom practice. I line manage the vast majority of Curriculum Leaders at River, and so I work to ensure that they are thinking carefully about the delivery of their curriculums, as well as ensuring that they are promoting high expectations with their teams.

Q: You were identified for Team Talks for your work on culture. Why does this matter to you?
A: The foundations of Team River are vitally important. The culture that we create here at River, for students and staff, will have a long and lasting impact on the future of this community. By creating the culture of excellence at River, we are providing the conditions for students to flourish. It is the same for the staff who are developing their practice and growing to be outstanding teachers.

“The culture that we create here at River, for students and staff, will have a long and lasting impact on the future of this community.”

Q: What motivates you to keep pushing this work forward?
A: My motivation comes from the idea that I am enabling. Enabling students to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to open doors as they grow up. Enabling staff to enjoy their work daily and grow as teachers – which then enables the students.

“Enabling students to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to open doors as they grow up.”

Q: What has shaped your approach? What have you learned along the way?
A: I believe in the power of education in changing lives. I have experienced first-hand what high expectations and a love of learning can do. As educators, we have the power to change lives and so I take that responsibility seriously.

Q: Which MET value connects most strongly to your work and why?
A: I couldn’t pinpoint one. We have to Aim High, but it isn’t possible without the team. River thrives because of this.

Q: What advice would you give to colleagues interested in similar work?
A: People are at the core of any work. Getting everyone on the same page and aligning values is essential.

Q: Any final reflections?
A: A River phrase is “Work Hard; Play Hard” – enjoy what you do.

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your work with us in this Team Talk.

#TeamMET #RiverAcademy #EducationLeadership #SchoolCulture #ProfessionalDevelopment