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Acknowledgements

Writing a book is a journey that brings together the past, the present and the future.

From my past, I wish to thank the teachers and leaders, who inspired me to pursue the boundaries of curiosity. They taught me not only to ask questions, but how to ask the right questions. This stood me in good stead when as a teacher I came across children and young people, who for whatever reason struggled with learning and personal development. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to those who believed in the hidden potential they saw in me. I have been blessed with many great mentors … you know who you are and the difference you made. Thank you.

Publishing this book has been a team effort. For this moment in time, I am grateful to NASBTT for the opportunity and Critical Publishing for the pathway. Emma Hollis, your passion to improve teacher education is motivational and visionary. Thank you for creating a space for new and necessary conversations to take place. Julia Morris, ‘attention to detail’ people are a gift to the publishing world. I value and appreciate your tenacity and patience in supporting me through this process. My gratitude is also extended to Clare Owen, production editor at Newgen Publishing UK. I appreciate you keeping me on track Clare. None of this would have been possible, without the support of family and friends. These are the precious gems of my life. Over the time span of writing this book, I lost one dear family member. For her generation, my mother was ahead of her time. If she had not encouraged me to step out, take risks and fly … I would not be doing half of what I am able to do today. I dedicate this book to Nima Pujara (1938–2019), a legend to many. Thank you for teaching me, so that I learnt to teach others.

Finally, to the future, I am grateful to you as readers, teachers and future leaders. Over a decade ago, I was invited to a meeting to review a repository of teacher training materials around special educational needs, inclusion, and disability. The meeting was chaired by a high-profile professor. Before starting the meeting, this professor looked me in the eye and said, “Tell me where you see yourself in 5 to 10 years’ time?” As a young consultant, I was taken aback by the question and asked her to share the reason behind the question. Her answer was simple and pure, and it has stayed with me since. “I want to make sure we leave the education sector in safe hands!”, she said. Fast forward and I am in that place too. New teachers are more than just the future – my hope is they will develop the profession to be far better than we ever have. This is my heart for the readers of the book and those I work alongside; may they excel beyond me to do even greater things.

In the words of Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971):

Father God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.