Blog posts by: Angelina Idun

Last year, I had the pleasure of joining The Teaching Commission, chaired by former NEU joint general secretary Professor Mary Bousted and supported by the major teaching unions and other partners. The Commission’s remit for 2025 was to examine the root causes of the teacher recruitment and retention crisis and identify practical, actionable recommendations to make teaching an attractive, sustainable profession again.

The theme for Black History Month 2025, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is both a celebration and a call to action. It honours the resilience and achievements of Black communities while inviting us to actively shape spaces where voices from Black and global majority heritage backgrounds are heard, valued, and celebrated.

A couple of weeks ago, I visited the northern town where my son and grandson live. I arrived just before 10pm. By the next morning, as we drove down the neighbouring streets, each lamppost had a George Cross attached, and Union Jack bunting hung on railings at crossings along the main road.

England’s teacher recruitment and retention crisis is growing. In this Teaching Commission focus group, school leaders shared powerful insights into the pressures facing the profession, and the practical steps they’re taking to support staff and sustain schools.

SSAT Leadership Legacy Fellows were invited to join this important discussion about the recruitment and retention crisis facilitated by Professor Mary Bousted, Chair of the Teaching Commission, and Commissioner Angelina Idun.

Do you remember what attracted you to a career in teaching?

As we begin a new term, our hearts go out to the families affected by the tragic loss of young lives in Southport this summer. We can only imagine the profound pain this has caused each family. Our thoughts and support are with them and their wider communities, as they come together in this immense grief. 

My grandson Nehemiah turns two in August. He is a super cute, charming, smiley, funny, fearless, energetic toddler who is into everything. He already loves his music and books and he seems to be under the impression that he is a world class gymnast!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for SSAT’s Women in Leadership and Education event on 4 May. The contributions of all our speakers and participants made for a powerful, thought provoking and truly inspirational day.

It continues to be a pleasure to have conversations with teachers and leaders, about how coaching is being approached in their schools, and how they are planning to develop this aspect of their work, to more greatly benefit staff and students.