Education after COVID-19 in Three Quotations and Three Questions
Mike Fleetham is an educator, international learning designer and founder or Thinking Classroom.
I did my governors’ meeting from my lounge. It took 45 minutes.
Why would I ever go back to 2 hours in school hall on a dark,
wet rainy November evening?
May 2020, Headteacher.
By accident not design, 2020 forced educators and leaders around
the world to examine and transform their professional practice. Like
a woodcutter losing her axe mid stroke, teachers suddenly lost the
tools of their trade – classroom, resources, relationships. But they
rallied, grappled with online learning, made it work and began to see
opportunity inside the chaos.
What have you learned or discovered during the pandemic that will
enrich your life once we reach a new kind of stability?
The younger children are having to grow up faster. In a normal year
we have the few children who’ll cry every day for half the year coz they
don’t want to leave mum (which is more about mum sometimes). We’ve
not had any of that this year. Parents can’t come in. The kids are more
independent. More resilient. They just have to get on with it.
November
2020 Early Years Leader.
I’ve wondered during my online work with teachers since March
2020, whether their loving concern for the emotional wellbeing and
mental health of their children is also, in part, a projection of their own
anxieties and fears. Kids are Dandelions or Orchids says paediatric
health expert W Thomas Boyce. Dandelions thrive in the ‘rough-and-tumble anywhere’; Orchids are more delicate, vulnerable, and need
a special kind of nurture. But when orchids are loved, they become
more beautiful than anything around them.
Where are the Dandelions; where are the Orchids in your class, your
school, your life?
Online chat during live lessons is brilliant. It has given a voice to the quiet
children, those who would not usually speak up or say anything in class.
January 2021 UK SENCO.
As we push on through the complexity and the challenge, one day at a time, sometimes using up the last of our energy, we are heading
into what might be a far more equitable educational landscape
– if we choose to listen for what that might be. In The Great Reset,
Klaus Schwab argues that a pandemic like this one accelerates and
amplifies. Look around and you will see that in action. Disadvantage
is amplified; technology and aspects of research accelerate; we see
more clearly what we value – especially when we are deprived of it;
and the speed with which we need to respond – often in the moment
– is faster than ever. No wonder you are exhausted!
But technology gives everyone a voice; it can amplify our words. Even
the quietest ones can now be heard. Let’s make sure that we listen
and hear what our children are saying. Because most of the children
whose learning in in your care – in class or online – will be alive when
the year begins with ‘21’ not ends with those digits.
Teaching is the world’s most important profession because without it
there are no other professions. And while our formidable healthcare
workers are saving the present, teachers are saving the future.
What are children asking of you for their futures and how can you
give them their voices?
From Engage issue 22.
BY MIKE FLEETHAM • July 16, 2021
A moment to be proud of and a reminder of why young people’s voices matter. Today, artwork created by students from UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, alongside artwork from young people in other countries. What an amazing opportunity for our students to have their creativity, ideas and hopes represented on an international stage. For me, this is what UNESCO ASPnet is about: creating opportunities for young people to connect across cultures, express themselves creatively, learn from one another and imagine a better future together. The power of young people’s creativity: their voices being part of an international conversation about education, peace, culture and our shared future. UNESCO’s programme for Pope Leo XIV’s visit specifically focused on education, artistic creation, AI, information integrity and peace. The work was part of a mural that brings together 80 original creations marking UNESCO’s 80th anniversary, produced as part of the "International Youth for Peace" competition organized by France TV and UNESCO.
Most of us want to leave the world a little better than we found it. Whether that's through the people we love, the values we pass on, or the causes we care about, we all hope our legacy will make a difference. One of the simplest ways to do that is by writing a will. This autumn, we are proud to be taking part in the Change Starts with a Will campaign, allowing our supporters to write or update their will free of charge through our trusted partner, Octopus Legacy. Why writing a will matters Writing a will isn't just about deciding who inherits your possessions. It's about making sure your wishes are respected and providing peace of mind for the people you care about. Having a will means you can: Protect the people you love. Make important decisions about your estate. Reduce uncertainty for your family. Leave a lasting gift to a cause that reflects your values. Many people put off writing a will, believing it's something to think about later in life. In reality, it's one of the most important documents you'll ever create. A legacy that supports education Steve Sinnott dedicated his life to championing education as a fundamental human right. His belief was simple but powerful: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, and every teacher deserves the support they need to inspire future generations. Today, we continue that mission by working with partners across the world to improve access to quality education, strengthen teaching and support communities where education can change lives. When you choose to leave a gift in your will to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, you're helping ensure that this work can continue for years to come. After taking care of family and friends, even a small gift could help provide learning opportunities, strengthen education systems and create brighter futures for generations to come. A gift that lasts beyond a lifetime Legacy gifts play an important role in helping charities plan for the future. Your support could help us continue investing in sustainable education projects, supporting teachers and ensuring more children have access to the education they deserve. It's a powerful way to ensure your values live on long into the future. Write your will for free As part of our Autumn 2026 campaign, we're offering supporters the opportunity to write or update their will free of charge through Octopus Legacy. There is no obligation to leave a gift to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, but we hope you'll consider remembering us after you've taken care of those closest to you. Together, we can continue Steve Sinnott's vision of a world where education changes lives. Find out more If you've been thinking about writing your will, there's never been a better time. Our free will service is available until 31 October 2026 , making it easy to protect the people you love while considering the lasting impact your legacy could have on education worldwide. https://octopuslegacy.com/online-will?channel=partner Change starts with a will. And together, we can help create a future where education is accessible to everyone.
Seeds of Hope are everywhere! “I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived at Stage at the Lake…” But it was special to meet all of the Calderdale team in person, who had brought this four-day event together so successfully. Sometimes an event stays with you long after the final performance has finished. My visit to Stage at the Lake at the beautiful Shibden Hall in Calderdale was one of those occasions. As UNESCO ASPnet UK Coordinator, I was delighted to be invited as a guest, but what I experienced was much more than simply attending an event. Here, in the grounds of a house steeped in history, the past, present and future seemed to meet. The English Chamber Orchestra filled the setting with music, Northern Ballet brought movement and storytelling to life, and throughout there was a wonderful sense of creativity, community and possibility. And then there were the parklets; a unique gardening festival at Shibden Park celebrating community, creativity and the power of nature to bring people together. At its heart was a specially commissioned trail of ten micro show gardens, designed and built by community groups from across Calderdale. It was wonderful to see spaces where ideas, conversations and creativity were flourishing and connecting through Seeds of Hope. I cannot wait to see them transported to their ‘forever homes’. Standing there, I found myself thinking about what we mean when we talk about education, culture and hope.
