In this episode, Tom and Emma speak with John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley, co-authors of Putting Staff First: A Blueprint for Revitalising Our Schools, published by John Catt Educational. The book outlines the creation of a school environment that results in a happy, healthy, motivated, well-trained, expert staff—all to give students the best teaching possible. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Uttley starts by describing his working relationship with Tomsett. He reminisces about Tomsett as an early mentor and partner in improving a school’s culture and solidifying their mutual goals. (2:45) Uttley describes his present position as CEO in schools set up as a charitable trust.

Tomsett speaks of his dual position as head teacher and teacher, producing a blend of leadership responsibilities with everyday teaching plans. (5:10) He is involved in lesson changeovers, mask mandates, and a variety of hands-on duties. He is a proponent of Vivian Robinson’s philosophy of the importance of having leaders teach and making the process of teaching easier to manage.

The interview continues with discussing leaders embracing the fundamental role of removing teachers’ barriers (8:55). Removal practices are brought up as key components to school improvement and the simplification of ingrained habits. It’s important to start with the assumption of professional trust that eventually leads to evidence-informed desires (29:05). As Tomsett sums up, it comes down to creating a school with high standards that is also a great place to work -— something not too cozy but also not based on fear.

Mind the Gap is produced by < a href="https://mindrocketmediagroup.com">Mind Rocket Media Group and presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher that has supported teachers and school leaders with research-based, easy-to-use professional development publications since 1959. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International). Available to watch on edCircuit.

Follow the authors on Twitter: @emma_turner75 @teacherhead @JonnyUttley @johntomsett