Current teaching position

Retired teacher and education adviser.  Still teaching at Masters level.

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1. Best thing about teaching? 

You get the chance to witness and maybe have a hand in the creation of miracles on a daily basis - if not hourly.  It is to feel part of something, not just play a part in anything.

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2. Best city you've ever visited/lived in? 

Paris.  I've had a love affair with Paris since 1974.  Each time I revisit it's as exciting as that first visit.  A particular memory is having been fortunate to have given an address to 400 French inspectors at the Sorbonne (1986).

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3. A song you listen to when happy/sad? 

Gosh, there are so many to choose from.  I have broad and eclectic interests, across classical, jazz, rock.  Generally anything from Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Van Morrison... does the trick both ways.

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4. Biggest education inspiration? 

My two uncles who, in spite of leaving school at 12 and 10 respectively, prized learning, dazzled with understated insight, intelligence, leadership and held everyone in the highest regard.

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5. Describe your TTR shows in one word

Mirrors.

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6. Favourite TTR guest (on one of your shows)

Trae Holland.  “Teaching in a War Zone”.  Trae and I had five attempts before we finally got a decent recording.  Russian interference with wi-fi meant we had to wait until Trae was on a trip to Washington USA.  Fighting jet lag, Trae told us of his trojan attempts to make school as normal as possible for students.

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7. Favourite TTR episode (of yours) so far and why? 

The show with Jordan Reutas.  We set up the show when Jordan was in Australia, then he went on a European tour and finally it was broadcast live with Jordan in his hotel in Budapest and me in Northern Ireland. 

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8. Your teaching philosophy?

People first.  Process over outcome.  Courageous leadership, inspiration & creativity.

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9. Best bit of advice you ever got?

There's always a reason

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10. Dream guest on your TTR show?

Mo Gawdat, Barack Obama, Kylie Minogue