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## Something's Not Right, Please Try Again

24 Apr 2023

Before I sucker punch my laptop for being slower than a three-toed Sloth as I hurriedly write the cover sheets for the rest of my lessons. I thought about what I need to do to thrive in my career.
Last night, I received a message on LinkedIn; usually these are just adverts asking my to buy their premium account but this one was had a subject that rang a bell, "Neurodiverse teacher - advice and support"
My brain immediately went, "they probably read my article in the TES" so I immediately dropped everything to read what they had to say. I am a rather vain person so was expecting them to be congratulating me on the article and ask me something trivial like "could you send me a link about Access to Work" or "have you heard of this awesome organisation that works with teachers", both of which are things I have received in the past. This message however made my heart sink...
As I'm not the sort of person to gossip or tell the world all the things I know about someone, I have removed all identifiable information about this person from this post. All you need to know is that they are an ECT (Early Career Teacher) and have only been a qualified teacher for just under a year. They had been struggling with a recent diagnosis and trying to make things work around it. They resorted to coming to me of all people for advice and support.
I immediately knew I was slightly out of my depth with what they needed so turned to Twitter to get some ideas. Again, my heart sank when even my own headteacher told me some home truths. There's NOTHING out there for you!

> If you want something done, do it yourself

Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte (allegedly)

So that leave me with a tricky dilemma: do I ignore the issue at hand and hope someone else picks it up, or do I try and do something about supporting neurodiverse teachers and try to create a network that provides support?
This is something that obviously can't be done overnight however it would be essentially a massive overhaul of my career and could end up with me leaving teaching in a classroom, something I really don't want to leave behind.

> I love teaching more than any other job I’ve had, but I’ve found the journey a lonely one.

This teacher who contacted me feels that their journey into teaching and their career is a lonely one. I wish I could do more to support neurodiverse teachers in making them aware they are not alone in this at all. I know I cannot do this on my own so through about what I could do now in the meantime. So I came up with a plan:

- Step 1: Continue as Head of Computing
- Step 2: Start writing blog posts again, but this time with a focus!
- Step 3: Look at opportunities to develop a neurodiversity teachers network
- Step 4: Possibly write a book on being a neurodiverse teacher or even on how to manage one?

Obviously, the eagle-eyed among you will have noticed I have done steps 1 & 2 already. The aim of this blog is to look at how neurodiversity affects the education system, from a teachers perspective. It may even give some insight into what goes on in the head of someone who identifies that way. I must start writing more in this to allow me to consider my next step in a very complex industry.
My cover work is set, I hope my team can cope while I go home and rest. I feel rough!

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#### Clearing the Clutter: A Digital and Personal Reset

26 May 2025

I’ve been wanting to do something like this for a few years now, and this finally seems like the right time to take action.

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#### Marking the Milestone: Mastering the Computing Measure

12 Apr 2025

Note to self: I really need to post here more often! It’s been a whirlwind since my last update. Between chasing rapid grade improvements for our Year 11s, general OFSTED prep, onboarding a new team member, and—yes—rewriting the Key Stage 3 curriculum (again), I’ve completely lost track of time.

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#### It's Been A While...

24 Nov 2024

A lot has changed since my last ramble on here. First off, I have finally rid myself of that dark and questionnable realm that is Twittter (I will call it that until Elon finally gives up his X fettish). I left mainly because I planned to do it years back but never fully committed.

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