Experienced teacher Kerry Laxton is devoted to helping schools improve their support for LGBTI children.

Kerry has been a teacher for 20 years and she is Head of Inclusion at Swakeleys School for Girls, Middlesex.

Her role is to ensure that pupils of all abilities and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need.

Five years ago, she also completed a Doctorate in Education which focused on LGBTI issues and teacher training.

“I feel very strongly about protecting these vulnerable young people,” says Kerry.

“There’s something unique about LGBTI youth - it’s that they can’t always rely upon the support of family, friends or their local community.

“Sometimes, their parents and friends can be their bullies. These students need someone they can trust and tell.

“Often, that’s their teachers, so they have to learn how to support LGBTI children. Otherwise, these young people will have no one.”

Since completing her doctorate, Kerry has been asked to speak to trainee teachers about LGBTI issues at universities across the country.

Kerry joined NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union when she was a student herself and has enjoyed attending our LGBTI Teachers’ Consultation Conferences.

“It’s great that LGBTI teachers get so much support from the Union,” she says.

“Having the General Secretary Chris Keates speak at these conferences is really important.

“It’s the same as with dealing with LGBTI issues in schools, the support needs to come right from the top.”

Kerry says teaching has been the perfect career for her, because it has given her the opportunity to pursue her research as well.

But she admits you need to be prepared to work “incredibly hard” as a teacher and the expectations on experienced staff can be even higher.

Kerry feels lucky that her school is supportive, but adds that Government policy can significantly add to the pressure.
 
“I think the challenges for experienced teachers are the constant changes and need for upskilling,” she says.

“This can be frustrating for people who have been in the profession for a long time - they just want to be trusted to get on with the job.”

Nevertheless, Kerry still feels that “teaching is the best job in the world” and her motivation will always be supporting her pupils.

“It’s all about the students,” she says. “They need you and for some of them it’s the only stability in their life.

“They are always pleased to see you, and happy and friendly. I just think they are just the best part of human beings.

“I love being able to improve their lives and those lightbulb moments when they suddenly succeed – you can’t buy that feeling!”

Kerry is one of the dedicated teachers featured in our Celebrating Experience campaign.