In this episode, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner delve into the profound insights and powerful moments experienced during their conversations with incredible guests. They highlight the importance of making primary education accessible to all and teachers' duty to leave a lasting legacy through their teaching.

Tom and Emma discuss the significance of routines and norms that support teachers in creating successful learning environments. They ponder why some of Tom's ideas receive criticism despite their potential to greatly improve schools. They marvel at the transformative approach of Mark McCourt, whose teaching style creates a connected set of ideas starting from simple concepts.

In their interviews, the duo expresses deep appreciation for the expertise shared by Dylan Wiliam, Efrat Furst, and Sarah Cottingham, emphasizing how these sessions serve as professional development opportunities. They also explore the value of cognitive science research in primary practice and its relevance for secondary teachers.

Throughout the episode, Tom and Emma spotlight inspiring individuals such as John Thompson, Johnny Utley, Caroline Derbyshire, Vic Goddard, and the enigmatic storyteller Sufian Sadiq. They acknowledge the influence these guests have had on their thinking and the impact they have made within the education community.

As hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner reflect on the impact of their guests, it becomes evident that Mind The Gap is more than just a series of interviews. The platform introduces listeners to various voices, ideas, and strategies that can transform the educational landscape. From influential academic figures to inspiring stories of resilience, each episode adds to the collective knowledge and drive for positive change. As listeners, we are encouraged to take these lessons and inspirations into our professional journeys, creating a brighter future for education.

Participants

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include ⁠⁠Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides to instructional coaching⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Teaching WalkThrus 2: Five-step guides to instructional coaching⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Teaching WalkThrus 3: Five-step guides to instructional coaching⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Rosenshine’s Principles in Action⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠The Learning Rainforest Fieldboo⁠⁠k. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠
Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of ⁠⁠Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the Flexible Working Narrative for Education⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Initium: Cognitive science and research-informed primary practice⁠⁠. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠.