by Rebecca Thomas
(Image by Steve Saville)
It’s hard to stay in the North-East all of the time.
Tēnā te ngaru whati, tēnā te ngaru puku.
There is a wave that breaks, there is a wave that swells.
DisruptEd is more than just a space to voice opinions—it's a sanctuary for those who dare to challenge the status quo in education. Like the waves that break and swell, we face resistance and momentum, but we persist because we know our voices matter. We come together here because critical analysis is essential, because we need to contextualise our understanding within the realities we live every day.
We benefit from sharing our voices.
In this collaborative learning space, we find clarity.
We speak up despite the risks; knowing that our voices on social media are far from private. We know they can be silenced by those in power.
But we do so anyway.
We do so because equity in education is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. We are determined to remain faithful to the fidelity of education that is equitable and just. We challenge the status quo, not out of defiance, but out of a commitment to an education system that serves all, not just some.
"Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought." - Albert Szent-Györgyi
Ensuring educational opportunities are not overlooked, ensuring that marginalised groups are not seen as deficient, and challenging the monocultural nature of the dominant education system is not easy. There are moments when the tide of conformity seems irresistible, when the pressure to join the status quo is overwhelming. In those moments, championing social justice can feel lonely and isolating. Yet, in those very moments, DisruptEd provides the support we need.
This platform is our refuge, a place where we solve problems collaboratively, share stories and experiences, and find the courage to initiate changes.
But we are not naïve.
We know that by speaking out publicly, we expose ourselves to scrutiny. We know that some are here not to contribute but to find ways to silence us. And yet, we persist—because our students' wellbeing and learning are worth every challenge we face.
In this space, we stay the course. We remain agile, refusing to accept disparities, and prioritise the transformations needed to create a more just education system. We hold high expectations for ourselves and each other, and we navigate challenges with determination.
So why do we follow DisruptEd? Because in this space, we find courage. We find community. We find our tribe.
And we find the will to keep fighting for an education system that serves all, not just some.
Action: In the comments below, tell us the name of someone who gives you wings in your journey towards educational equity and justice. Let's celebrate those who keep us moving forward!
Free Warm and Demanding North-East Leadership Posters (PDF)
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