The power of representation in education
Role models help pupils believe in their potential and inspire them to aim higher.
That’s why we support our trainees and ambassadors to become inclusive teachers and leaders. Meet Sabaa and Michael, two Teach First ambassadors who know firsthand the power of representation in education.
Sabaa’s Story
Teach First Ambassador and English Teacher
“I’m British Pakistani, I wear the hijab, and I practice Islam. When I began teaching in my school, while I knew the pupil body was multi-cultural, I was nervous about being one of the few teachers of colour, and the only one to wear a hijab.
Now that I’m a newly qualified teacher at the same school, having completed the Teach First Training Programme this summer, I know I needn’t have worried. I’ve always felt valued at my school and able to make a positive impact there.
Some of my Muslim pupils have even said that they feel more confident to wear the hijab because of me.
I also regularly support pupils who have joined the school after emigrating from another country. Only recently I was discussing Ramadan with a group of our new Muslim Kurdish students.
By being open about my heritage, I’m not only ensuring that pupils who relate to me in this way feel accepted, but I’m also playing a role in boosting other’s understanding and cultural capital. Ethnically diverse teachers can open these conversations in school, especially in more regional areas that typically have predominately white staff.
While I’m only a few years into my teaching career, I’m very focused on developing and continuing to make a positive impact. My Principal has been brilliant in giving me development opportunities from coaching new trainee teachers, to encouraging me to lead extracurricular. While it is so important to see diverse teachers in all positions, both for pupils and incoming staff, having that leadership support to flourish is vital. I’m excited to see where my teaching career takes me and to continue being a positive role model in my community."
Sabaa’s impact:
- Spearheaded the creation of a multi-faith prayer room.
- Supports newly arrived students from other countries.
- Coaches trainee teachers and leads extracurricular activities.
Michael’s Story
Teach First Ambassador, Assistant Principal, and Computer Science Teacher
Students learn the best when they have a strong positive relationship with their teacher.
"Growing up as a Black African pupil, who was on Free School Meals (FSM), I really valued having teachers that looked like me and who I could relate to, so I always think of its importance now that I’m a Senior Leader. Equally it can be more difficult to imagine yourself as a teacher or school leader if you don’t see those you identify with already in these roles.
Through Teach First, the charity I initially trained to teach through, I became a member of a brilliant network called ‘100 Black Headteachers’ which specifically supports Black teachers and school leaders into headship. By simply having access and being able to learn from others from a similar background inspired so much confidence in me, especially in my initial years of teaching Computer Science. Being involved in the network has also enabled me to extend the ladder down to Black teachers with aspirations of progressing into school leadership, like myself. "
Michael’s impact:
- Part of ‘100 Black Headteachers’ network.
- Mentors aspiring Black teachers into leadership roles.
- Builds positive teacher-student relationships to boost pupil outcomes.
As we work to support diverse communities, it is essential our pupils have teachers and role models who represent them. This way, more and more pupils will have role models they can relate to, to help inspire them inside the classroom and beyond.