Supply teacher recruiter marks its 20th year with thank-you lunch
A BARTON firm is celebrating two decades in business.
Blackboard Recruitment was started by Davina Thorpe and Jo Marson in Barton under Needwood 20 years ago to provide supply teachers to schools in Staffordshire, Derbyshire, East Midlands and the West Midlands.
It was established in January 2001 to link qualified teachers to suitable positions in schools.
Down the years, Davina estimates she has interviewed more than 1,000 teachers and provided cover for at least 50 schools, both primary and secondary.
Having worked as a teacher herself, she “empathises with teachers and appreciates what a hugely important job they are doing”.
Davina had worked as a secondary school chemistry teacher and in recruitment.
To mark the milestone occasion after a difficult year, particularly for those working in education, the duo provided a summer lunch in Barton as a thank-you to all of the teachers.
Davina said: “It has been a year like no other and so the occasion felt very special.
“Most teachers really care about what they are doing and want to do it well. When I ask what makes them a good teacher and how they demonstrate this in schools, these are some snippets of their replies - ‘well organised, creative, reliable, hard working and motivated and enjoy what I do,’ ‘make it fun where possible but challenge children so they want to work,’ ‘provide an environment that is interactive and interesting,’ and ’enjoy teaching the children and show that you care about them.’
“From feedback received from schools, it is pleasing to hear how many teachers follow these aspirations so a big thank-you again and good luck to teachers everywhere for September 2021.”