Teaching and Learning Conference 2022-23

Kate Jones is a teacher, experienced leader and Senior Associate for Teaching and Learning with Evidence Based Education. Kate spent five years teaching in Abu Dhabi but is now back in the UK. In addition to her teaching and leadership roles Kate is the author of seven books published with John Catt Educational; including the Retrieval Practice series. Kate is also a regular writer for the TES and HWRK magazines. Kate has spoken at various educational events and conferences around the world including Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Middle East and Europe. Kate has collaborated with leading figures in education such as Dylan Wiliam, Doug Lemov and Professor Robert Bjork and is co-authoring her next book with Professor Alan Baddeley. Kate is very active on social media @KateJones_Teach".

Sonia Thompson is the Headteacher at St Matthew’s C.E. Primary School and the Director of St Matthew’s EEF (Education Endowment Foundation) Research School, in Nechells Birmingham. St Matthew’s is a Talk for Writing Training Centre and previously held DfE Teaching School status. Her school regularly hosts’ visits for teachers, Headteachers and MATs, who want to see evidence-informed practice across the curriculum. Sonia recently published a book called, An Ethic of Excellence in Action; has had articles published and regularly reviews blogs for SchoolsWeek. She has a chapter in, the researchED Guide to the Curriculum and is a contributor to the new WALKTHRUs 3 book. Sonia is a board member of the UKLA National Council and the Birmingham Diocese. She is also a trustee for the Church of England National Society, Classics for All and the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). Sonia is regularly asked to deliver keynotes and training at various conferences and events, across the country.

Rachel Johnson has been the CEO of PiXL since the start of 2020, leading the network of 2500 schools from every area of education. The aim is to work with school leaders to improve the life chances and outcomes of young people, an aim that Rachel is passionate about and totally committed to. She is the writer and host of two podcasts, PiXL Pearls and The PiXL Leadership Bookclub, both designed to encourage, support and challenge school leaders and to help find practical ideas that make a difference.

Anita Asante is a former England defensive midfielder/ centre back with 71 caps international caps under her belt, spanning 14 years, including competing for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics. The 37-year-old made her England debut in 2004, and she went on to compete in two Football World Cups and three UEFA European Championships. Anita also kicked off the first ever women’s Olympic football match for Team GB at the London Olympics in 2012. Her showcase career began with Arsenal as a teenager; a club where she went on to be part of the historic quadruple winning Arsenal team who were crowned champions in the Champions League, Premier League, Premier League Cup and FA Cup all in one season. Arsenal also became the only English team to ever win the Champions League. Anita has also played top-flight club football for Chelsea, where she won the WSL title in 2020 and the FA Women’s Continental Cup, as well a successful stint playing football in the USA and Sweden where more domestic honours came. In 2022 she retired from professional football after two successful seasons with Aston Villa. Away from the pitch, Anita has become a familiar face in the media, working for the BBC, ITV and Sky Sports. She is also a columnist for the Guardian. Anita is a passionate ambassador for Show Racism the Red Card, the UK’s anti-racism educational charity, and Amnesty International UK. She has become one of the game’s leading advocates and allies, championing marginalised communities and promoting the need for gender, racial and LGBT+ equality.