A Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in Education

By: Humayun Ahmed
Humayun Ahmed Diversity in ITT blog - A Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in Education

I am profoundly passionate about Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI). This commitment is deeply personal to me, rooted in my own experiences and the stories of friends and colleagues who have faced significant challenges in their professional lives. I have witnessed individuals leave their professions due to unfair treatment, which underscores the vital importance of fostering an inclusive environment in our educational settings. 

Recently, I embarked on a journey to support School-Centred Initial Teacher Training providers (SCITTs) by examining their recruitment processes. This initial phase aimed to highlight areas of improvement within their practices, setting the stage for the subsequent two terms, which will focus on assessment and retention. I am thrilled to report that the engagement from the SCITTs has been overwhelmingly positive. The discussions have been characterised by openness and honesty, creating a conducive space for meaningful development.

Fortunately, all is not doom and gloom. There is inspiring work taking place in the realm of DEI, led by various organisations, including the Chartered College of Teaching, Chiltern Learning Trust, Mission 44, and Being Luminary. Their initiatives are paving the way for a more equitable future, fostering an environment where the global majority can thrive. I am filled with hope and excitement about the opportunities available for the next generation of teachers and professionals. 

My experience working with SCITTs over the past term has been nothing short of enlightening. The data we collected provided a clear perspective on how far DEI candidates currently stand in our systems. Through my role as a critical friend, I encouraged the SCITTs to engage in self-reflection and deep thinking regarding the lack of DEI candidates in their teacher training courses. Together, we quickly identified potential barriers that may have contributed to this situation, and we discussed actionable steps to address these challenges effectively.

The SCITT directors and managers I had the privilege of collaborating with were nothing short of remarkable. They approached our work with openness and individuality, fully recognising the scope of improvement ahead. Their welcoming attitude made my role even more fulfilling, as I felt like an integral part of a shared mission to enhance their understanding and implementation of DEI initiatives.

Some of our easy wins included simple yet effective changes, such as updating photographs to showcase a diverse range of individuals representing the global majority, forming interview panels that included global majority staff, and critically examining existing recruitment documents for potential barriers. These adjustments served as a significant eye-opener for the SCITTs, allowing them to recognise the need for changes that would better reflect the communities they aim to serve.

As I look forward to the next two terms, which will focus on assessment and retention, I am eager to continue supporting the SCITTs in identifying further challenges and implementing solutions that will contribute to a more inclusive environment. I am confident that through collaboration, we can uncover new insights and develop strategies that ensure every prospective teacher feels valued and supported.

In conclusion, my dedication to DEI is unwavering. The work that lies ahead is monumental, but I am invigorated by the prospect of making tangible changes in our education sector. Together with the SCITTs and the inspiring organisations that champion DEI, I am optimistic about the future for the next generation of educators, particularly those from the global majority. By embracing diversity, equality, and inclusion, we can create an enriching professional environment that empowers all individuals to reach their full potential. Here’s to a future where every voice counts and every person has the opportunity to flourish!

Read more about the Increasing Diversity in ITT project here.