Tag Archive for: educational equity

Reflecting diversity: the power of representation in the classroom

At Mulberry College of Teaching, we understand that when teachers represent the diverse backgrounds of their students, the impact on learning and student engagement is profoundly positive. Our strong commitment to building an inclusive and aspirational learning environment is reflected in how we support and develop our teachers.

The importance of diverse role models

When students see a reflection of themselves in their teachers, the results are staggering. For students from diverse backgrounds, having teachers who share similar experiences or characteristics reinforces their sense of belonging and boosts their confidence in their academic life. At Mulberry College of Teaching, we are dedicated to recruiting and supporting a diverse teacher workforce that mirrors the diverse community of East London. This commitment helps ensure that all students feel valued and understood.

Culturally responsive teaching

Our approach to education goes beyond basic curriculum delivery. We emphasise responsive teaching, which involves understanding students’ cultural contexts and integrating this awareness into educational practices. This strategy enhances student engagement and helps build a learning environment where each student’s identity is respected and celebrated. By nurturing teachers who are adept in these practices, we equip them with the skills to inspire.

Encouraging empathy and inclusion

Diversity among teachers generates an environment of empathy and inclusivity. It challenges stereotypes and encourages a broader perspective among all students, preparing them to thrive in a diverse world. Our teachers are trained to facilitate discussions that explore and celebrate differences, which promotes mutual respect and understanding within the classroom.

Mulberry College of Teaching provides ongoing development opportunities that focus on enhancing teachers’ ability to create inclusive classrooms. Our support ensures that our teachers are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students effectively.

Join us in making a difference

We invite passionate individuals who value diversity and aspire to make a significant impact in education to join us. By becoming a part of Mulberry College of Teaching, you contribute to a visionary approach to education that uplifts every member of our incredible community.

About us

At the Mulberry College of Teaching, we are passionate about the transformative power of teaching. We strive to provide an inclusive and aspirational learning environment for all our students that focuses on excellent outcomes, collaboration and creative teaching. 

We invest in and value our teachers. By learning to teach with us, you will be immersed in schools and will learn from school-based subject specialists as well as a range of expert practitioners whose practice is grounded in the best available research. 

Based in the heart of East London, you will join our supportive professional learning community of Trust schools and local secondary school partners. Together, we appreciate the complexities and joys of working in a diverse inner-city urban community and will support you to excel. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Mulberry College of Teaching and learning more about you and your aspirations.



How targeted post-graduate teacher training can transform East London’s young people

Mulberry College of Teaching (MCoT) is deeply rooted in East London’s vibrant, diverse community. We are at the forefront of education, demonstrating what targeted post-graduate teacher training can achieve. MCoT is making steady, purposeful strides towards enhancing local communities through providing exceptional education for East London’s young people.

Understanding the landscape

East London brings diverse cultures, languages, and histories together and for young people living in the heart of East London, education is so much more than simply learning. School life is a pathway to finding their voice, their place, and their power in the world. This is where targeted post-graduate teacher training enters the picture, tailored to build understanding, empathy and to help teachers respond to the complexities of students’ lives.

The role of Mulberry College of Teaching

At Mulberry College of Teaching, the approach to teacher training is immersive, inclusive, aspirational and supportive. The college’s programmes are designed with the specific needs of East London’s young people, schools and communities in mind. Trainee teachers learn how to create lesson plans that are academically rigorous, culturally relevant and responsive. They are trained to look beyond the curriculum, to see the student who may need extra support, the hidden talents that need nurturing, and the cultural assets that every child brings to the classroom.

“Teaching and studying at the same time is a wonderful opportunity to become the best teacher I can. The immersion in the school environment is for me the best way to succeed and learn. This situation allowed me to build great relationships with my colleagues and the pupils.”

Alison – trainee teacher

Impact on young people in East London

The impact of such targeted training is profound. Teachers equipped with the skills and insights gained from MCoT’s bespoke Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme help young people become an integral part of the East London community. MCoT’s post-graduate trainee teachers enter classrooms with a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges their students face. Teachers are trained to tailor their teaching methods to meet these needs and to support all students to thrive in inclusive educational settings.

Through Mulberry’s innovative partnerships with local businesses and cultural institutions, young people gain unique insights into how these partnerships enhance their learning experience. By connecting the classroom with the broader community, students deeply understand the relevance of their education to real-world scenarios, inspiring them to consider a range of careers.

Evidence of success

Schools across East London report improvements in academic performance, student engagement and aspirations. We aim to equip our post-graduate trainee teachers with increased confidence in handling diverse classroom environments, leading to more inclusive and effective teaching strategies. 

Through our inclusive targeted teaching and representation in the classroom, our aim is to build a group of young people who are more engaged with their education, more curious about the world, and more confident in their abilities. Our schools become hubs of the community, where the education of young people is a shared responsibility and joy.

Looking forward

As Mulberry College of Teaching continues to refine and expand its programmes, there is greater potential for more young people to thrive. With every new cohort of post-graduate trainee teachers trained by Mulberry College of Teaching, more schools feel the impact, more students reach their potential and become pillars of their community.

About us

At the Mulberry College of Teaching, we are passionate about the transformative power of teaching. We strive to provide an inclusive and aspirational learning environment for all our students that focuses on excellent outcomes, collaboration and creative teaching. 

We invest in and value our teachers. By learning to teach with us, you will be immersed in schools and will learn from school-based subject specialists as well as a range of expert practitioners whose practice is grounded in the best available research. 

Based in the heart of East London, you will join our supportive professional learning community of Trust schools and local secondary school partners. Together, we appreciate the complexities and joys of working in a diverse inner-city urban community and will support you to excel. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Mulberry College of Teaching and learning more about you and your aspirations.

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