David Rogers

I understand the irony of writing a post about an event that isn't about ego on a blog that bears my name.  Truth is, I didn't really have a plan past getting some teachers in a pub and I am indebted to the wonderful Leah  for thinking about things like food, nibbles, venue, plan. Well, pretty much the lot. Anyway, here's what went on and the intention is a kind of 'how to' guide. The one reflection that I have is that I would have liked more local teachers there, or indeed a similar event for an individual school. After all, these events are fantastic, but if teachers aren't addressing the internal differences within their own institutions, the impact is only every going to be limited. However, I took a lot from the event and, on the back of a truly shit week and morning, the energy, commitment and enthusiasm of those who came along was a true inspiration.  I wriggled away with far more than I came with - indeed I was that annoying bloke who kept redire...

In 2016, a team of us will be putting together a gathering of like minded professionals: TeachMeet Solutions. It's going to be a bit different from the usual, with no presentations. Instead, we will be going back to when TeachMeets were conversations around a table.  There are many unconferences that aren't, this isn't one of them. We have modest aspirations; half a dozen people in a room would be great. More would be a bonus. This isn't a new breed of TeachMeet, rather a return to the original concept: teachers meeting together to talk about teaching.  Leave the ego at the door, there won't be a keynote and there won't be presentations.  Instead participants will all be contributors.   Each person who signs up will be asked to nominate an issue they'd like to either discuss or share ideas around. Staffrm  will be used in the run up to the event to spark thinking and discussion ahead of the day.   On the day, there'll be lots of inform...