Features / Behind the Headlines podcast
Why representation matters: Addressing inequity in education
It has been a busy two years for Aisha Thomas, who has gone from being an assistant principal to a company CEO and author.
But it’s all part of a journey for the educator dedicated to fighting for true equality and making schools an inclusive environment for all children.
In 2018, Aisha presented a documentary for the BBC that shone a light on the shocking lack of black teachers in Bristol schools – just 26 at the time across the whole city.
is needed now More than ever
This acted as a catalyst to accelerate calls for change and led to the former secondary school assistant principal founding her own company, Representation Matters, which provides training for educators willing to take a stand against racism and discrimination of all kinds.
With the book of the same name now out, Aisha speaks to Bristol24/7 about the pace of change, the personal toll it can take to pursue this work and why there’s hope for the future.
“Not only do I get to live my passion, my passion is helping other people and that’s children,” Aisha tells Bristol24/7
“If what I do means that children get to wake up every morning, go into their schools and feel a sense of belonging then this is more than a job, this is purpose.”
Listen to the full interview on the Behind the Headlines podcast:
Main photo: Rosie Parsons
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