Our new blog series ‘Spotlight on Staff’ has been launched to showcase the great team we have here at Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust. 

We are keen to introduce you to the large team of fantastic staff we have across the Trust and to give you an insight into the work they do as we strive to serve our stakeholders and improve the life chances of the students in our schools.

Professor Michael Green, Director of Projects, joins us as the next guest for Spotlight on Staff

Can you give a brief overview of your role at the Trust?

I have worked for DMAT since April 2021 and am the Trust’s Director of Projects. I have strategic oversight of key projects occurring across the Trust. I am currently project leading the opening of our multimillion-pound new school build for The Promise School.

My career to date has been extremely varied. I started my career in primary education in Kent before then moving into higher education where I lead initial teacher education at two different universities in both Kent and London. I was then appointed Head of Strategic Partnerships at the University of Greenwich and oversaw partnership development in the faculty of education, health and human sciences. Throughout my time working in higher education I had the privilege of undertaking international advisory work. I was then appointed as an advisor to the Department for Education and led their work on developing and rolling out national guidance on workload for early career teachers and trainee teachers. Before joining DMAT I was one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors with Ofsted. I am still a serving Ofsted inspector, as well as being a visiting professor at both the University of Greenwich and Plymouth Marjon University. I have a real passion for education and have written numerous books and chapters on a whole variety of topics.

What do you enjoy most about working for the Trust?

My role is extremely varied – no two days are the same! I enjoy knowing that the work I and others is doing is making a real difference.

How would you describe your team/ people you work with?

I have the privilege of working with a variety of colleagues from across the Trust. Each and everyone of them are a joy to work with. They are talented, committed and driven by a real desire to serve the children, young people and families within our Trust.

What are some of the challenges that you face within the sector?

Funding is a significant challenge, not helped by rising costs. The sector also faces a recruitment and retention crisis. We are now seeing fewer and fewer people wanting to train as a teacher which is a real concern. Despite attempts by government to address unnecessary burdens associated by workload, workload pressures remain.

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

It will all turn out fine in the end. Have faith in yourself and live in the moment.