The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Mel Greenwood

Having worked as a deputy headteacher in Jordan for the last five years, Mel is currently taking a career break to focus on family and consider what her next steps in education may look like. She has worked in education for 16 years, largely in the primary sector but also in secondary and is currently completing a Masters in Character Education. Mel is an advocate for values based education and has a particular interest in ensuring that learning is meaningful, enjoyable and allows for character building, ensuring that all learners are able to grow and flourish.

Latest blog posts

Mel Greenwood

10 top tips for early career teachers

The first years of teaching can be a challenging and overwhelming time. Mel Greenwood offers her top 10 tips to help ensure you thrive. I am currently at the point in my career where I am ready for a fresh challenge and something new. Having worked in schools for 16 years, six as a deputy...
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Mel Greenwood

Equity is not equality — we must stop mixing the two

Does your school know the difference between equity and equality? Mel Greenwood discusses the benefits and importance of the two in the classroom. If there are two virtues I see muddled often, they are equality and equity. To pinch a phrase made popular by WomenEd , equality ensures that we all...
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Mel Greenwood

Blue is for everyone. Pink is for everyone.

What are gender stereotypes? Mel Greenwood describes day-to-day life examples and the importance of challenging gender myths. On my fertility journey, hoping to start a family, people often ask me ‘what I want’, and this question irritates me more than it should. Answer — I would like to birth a...
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Mel Greenwood

Using a relationships-first approach in the classroom

Prioritising strong relationships with pupils creates happy and eager learners, argues Mel Greenwood. She explains how to build and nurture connections with pupils. One of my favourite things to do is share a book with a class of eager listeners. Great literature really does provide an ‘ in' for...
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Mel Greenwood

We are what we see in others: modelling in the classroom

Modelling is the only buzzword we should be uttering, says Mel Greenwood. She explains five ways to model your mindset to best impact your students. We should never belittle our ability as an educator. Everything we do and say is being watched and scrutinised by our children and young people and it...
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