In this episode, Ian talks to Ian Eagleton, author of books that include LGBT+ themes and characters, about the difficulties he had being gay in school, and what lessons we can learn to ensure effective LGBT+ inclusion today. 

Ian was born in Essex. Having 13 years as primary school teacher, which has included being an English Coordinator, Phase Leader and member of Senior Management he is now a resource writer for The Literacy Shed and Authorfy as well as Director of The Reading Realm and creator of The Reading Realm app!

In this episode, Oliver and Ian talk about the importance of us valuing our staff, but also valuing ourselves, and banning words such as 'just' and 'only' in order to empower every member of the school community.

Oliver Wright is the sector manager for Senior Leadership at Twinkl. He has over 20 years’ teaching experience, including eight years as a headteacher. He has worked in a range of primary schools from small, remote, rural settings to large, challenging city schools.

In this episode, Ian talks to Sue Sanders about the origin of LGBT+ History Month, and why it is important now, more than ever. 

Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders of the Harvey Milk Institute is an “out and proud” lesbian. She is co-chair of Schools OUT, an education charity founded in 1974 whose aim is to educate out prejudice, making schools safe and inclusive for everyone. As co-chair with Paul Patrick they founded LGBT+ History Month, celebrated every February across the UK. This opened a world of queer history to schools, educational settings and the wider community. Sue has spread the concept of LGBT+ History Month internationally helping organisations form LGBT+ History Months in Europe.

In the first episode of Staffroom Soapbox, I talk to Dr Adam Brett, who talked about growing up not knowing about LGBT history, about discovering this history later in life, and the importance of LGBT+ inclusion today (and the possibility of a Girls Aloud Episode). 

Coming February 2nd: Staffroom Soapbox. The new 15 minute Podcast where people in education get on their soapbox and tell us what is important to them, and why you should care about it