Back in 2008, when my eldest was in Reception, I nominated her fantastic teacher, Miss Jenkins, for the New Teacher of the Year Award — and she won.
Teachers are special.
Teachers are powerful.
Teachers change lives quietly and consistently.
The Teachers Who Transformed My Life — and My TEDx Story
In my TEDx Talk, I share how my own life was re-routed by teachers who refused to give up on me. Their courage shaped my future and inspired me to become a teacher myself.
But watching my firstborn experience that same magic — the everyday heroes who go above and beyond for our mini humans — that was next-level joy.
Miss Jenkins poured excitement and sparkle into my child’s world. As a first-time parent standing on the other side of the school gates, I felt a tidal wave of appreciation for this extraordinary human who wasn’t just teaching my daughter — she was shaping her life.
(Proud mum alert: My daughter later graduated with a First Class Honours degree and a Dean’s Student of the Year award. Everyday heroes leave ripples that last a lifetime.)
Fast Forward to 2025 — A Year of Full-Circle Moments
This year has been a masterclass in connection, courage and redemption:
📕 My book, Because of You, This Is Me, celebrating the impact of teachers, was published — and immediately reprinted.
🎬 My documentary about childhood, courage and the teachers who changed my trajectory won awards in Cannes, Miami and LA.
🎓 The academic community honoured my contribution to education and public speaking with two honorary doctorates.
And now — another extraordinary honour.
Attending the Pearson National Teaching Awards
This Saturday, I’ve been invited to attend the Pearson National Teaching Awards in London — a night dedicated to celebrating the everyday heroes who lift, shape and champion our children.
Each winner will be gifted a copy of Because of You, This Is Me.
I still can’t quite believe it.
This book was written to spotlight teachers as everyday heroes. To have it placed in their hands as part of recognising the difference they make to children who need a hero today? That’s full-circle magic.
What Educators Are Saying About the Book
The Amazon reviews say it better than I ever could:
“This book hugely validates the teaching profession, reminding educators of the impact of connection, compassion and curiosity.”
“Every person in education should read it… a gift to the next generation.”
And my favourite:
“We really do have the power to change lives… my one wish is for every educator to read this. This book is now our story.”
Why This Moment Matters
To know that my words, my message and my story of chaos, courage and connection will go home with teachers who are fighting for the highest good of children who need a hero today — well, quite honestly, I’m a little undone with gratitude.
Where to Get the Book
If you’d like to read the story behind the documentary, the TEDx Talk and the everyday heroes who changed my life, Because of You, This Is Me is available now:
👉 Amazon
👉 Waterstones
👉 WHSmith
👉 Blackwell’s
(And yes — every order helps push us closer to the Sunday Times Bestseller List.)
If You’re Coming to the Awards…
Come and say hi.
I’ll be the one cheering the loudest.