credits and Rogues’ Gallery

Helen: I’m a teacher of 24 years and workplace rep, teaching predominantly in the secondary sector, with experience running literacy focused university seminars at Stranmillis as well as heading up the English Department and Literacy Across the School within her current setting..

Brian: I’m an experienced teacher, activist, and union representative, and have taught in multiple settings around the UK. I won the 2019 Pearson’s National Teaching Award for my work in the FE sector, teaching Biology to Access to HE students.

Brendan: I am a Technology and Design teacher in a girl’s secondary school. I have been teaching for more than 30 years. I have been a union activist for most of that time. I am secretary of the South Down & South Armagh Association of NASUWT and also the N. Ireland Secretary.

John: My name is John, I have been teaching for 10 years in both Secondary and Primary. I have been a Union rep for 6 years and am indebted to my think1265 teaching colleagues/fellow reps who have worked tirelessly in these past couple of weeks to produce this amazing site and campaign. The support, camaraderie and tenacity have been astounding; a particular shout out to Brian and Helen, well done all!

Sarah: I have been a science teacher for 20 years. I currently teach in a Co.Down secondary school. Having worked previously in schools with very knowledgeable reps (Brendan in particular ) it was evident how important having reps who know their stuff is to staff. I am only in my second year as rep and I have found this website to be an invaluable tool to navigate this new post-ASOSA world. As a mum to two young children I really saw the difference that ASOSA made to our family life with no impact on quality of teaching or pupil outcomes. Happy teacher happy students.

Raymond: I am a post primary school teacher, with 3 decades of experience as school Rep. Local Association Executive member, Northern Ireland Executive Council member, Caseworker and now a National Executive Member for Northern Ireland; I have long campaigned for the Education at ground level for our Reps and their members to ensure Teachers have the correct life/work balance. As a teacher I deserve a life/work balance, not just because I am worth it but that’s want my employers have agreed I should have.

“Hello! My name is Ronan Sharkey and I have been teaching since 2015 in the Post-Primary sector. Over the past few years I’ve held a number of leadership positions including numeracy coordinator, transition coordinator and Head of Year. I’m currently immersed in an exciting journey as PhD researcher at Ulster University crafting a bespoke leadership framework tailored for Northern Ireland by harnessing global best practices in leadership. Sharing knowledge and insights is a profound joy for me, which is why I also serve as a guest lecturer for prestigious programs such as the Diploma in School Leadership and Masters in Education modules. It’s a privilege to contribute to the development of future leaders in education. Lastly I am honoured to hold the prestigious position as President of NASUWT NI, championing change for our position. Through initiatives like Think1265, we’re empowering educators to seize ownership of their profession and drive meaningful change from within. Think1265 embodies our union slogan of ‘putting teachers first’.”