UKEdMag: What can I offer as a Governor? by @connoracton

I joined my first primary school governing body when I was 21 and working as a Head of Year in a secondary school. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to understand how schools operate and to connect with teachers, leaders and people within school communities. At 22, I was voted in as vice-chair before joining a secondary governing body and becoming vice chair there too – experience is good but not essential – it’s about how much you want to learn and be involved and I guarantee you’ll have something to offer. 

Being a governor will develop a huge range of the skills you need to be efficient in schools – data analysis, communication, leadership and so much more. I won’t pretend you don’t need to invest – you will need to read documents, attend training and meetings and visit the school but if that doesn’t sound like some of the best professional development you could get, at any stage in your career, I don’t know what does. I was a better Head of Year for my time as governor and I am a better teacher now for it too. I stepped up as a trustee this year and I’m excited to continue to develop – if you think you could offer some of your time to support a school/trust, and develop yourself too, then maybe looking into governance is your next step. 

@connoracton Teacher – Leicester