In this episode of Edwin Talks, Julie Liddell is joined by Mary Palmer, CEO of the Teaching Awards Trust, to explore why celebrating and recognising the education profession matters, and why changing the narrative around teaching requires more than a single awards ceremony.

Mary shares her journey into education and her passion for raising the profile of the people who make a difference every day. They discuss the pressures facing educators, the outdated perceptions of teaching, and the importance of understanding the skill, professionalism, and impact behind the profession.

Explore the work of the Teaching Awards Trust, including National Thank a Teacher Day, the National Teaching Awards and Education Insights, and how recognition can build confidence, strengthen professional pride and create opportunities to share best practice.

A thoughtful conversation about recognition, professional pride and why valuing education means valuing the people who make it happen.

Explore more:
Thank a Teacher
The Pearson National Teaching Awards
The Teaching Awards Trust

What does it really take to create schools where people feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas and bring their whole selves to work?

In this episode, Julie Liddell is joined by Laura McPhee, Director of Education at University Schools Trust and author of Empowering Teachers, Improving Schools: Belonging, Psychological Safety and School Improvement. Laura believes psychological safety is far more than a ‘nice to have’, she shares how it can create the conditions for stronger leadership, greater innovation and better outcomes for pupils.

Laura also shares her own leadership experiences, including the lessons she learned from trying to conform to the idea of what a leader ‘should’ be, and why belonging, supportive challenge and cognitive diversity matter at every level of a school community.

Explore more:
Empowering Teachers, Improving Schools: Belonging, Psychological Safety and School Improvement.
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Curriculum expert, author and former headteacher John Tomsett explains the benefits of values-based leadership in education.

In this episode, John discusses value-based leadership, building psychological safety, creating cultures of trust, and reducing unnecessary workload. You’ll hear practical ways leaders can support staff wellbeing, strengthen school culture, and build sustainable leadership.

John shares insights from his books, 'Putting Staff First', 'Love Over Fear', and 'Mind Over Matter', emphasising the critical role of school leadership in creating a positive, sustainable culture where both staff and students can thrive.