Martin Illingworth

Engaging All Learners - Motivating Teachers - Literacy and Oracy

When you’re deep inside the education system, it’s easy to see the many flaws that system has when it comes to preparing young people properly for the life ahead of them.

The real challenge is not only working within that system, but also trying to change it.

This is the challenge that Martin Illingworth has taken up as a teacher, trainer, author and, most recently, senior lecturer inspiring the next generation of teachers.

Highly sought after in the world of English teaching with a national profile through his work with NATE, Martin has also built a reputation helping all teachers rethink their practice to better prepare their students for what lies ahead.

His seminal book for the Independent Thinking Press, Think Before You Teach, urged teachers to reflect on and adapt their classroom practice as they sought to move it beyond 'teaching to the test’, despite the pressures to do just that.

With the right approach – and the right set of tools in their toolkit – Martin shows teachers how skills such as critical thinking, creativity, confidence, collaboration and improved communication can all be developed both within the current system and their classrooms.

Skills that are vital in our turbulent times.

"Make it relevant, make it real, make it count and, above all else, fill them with hope."

Martin Illingworth

Recent titles include:

Noticefulness - What it is and why it matters
Classroom success... according to you!
Motivation, confidence and relevance - the cornerstones of great writing

His second book, the ever-controversial but increasingly prescient Forget School, was a wake-up call to educators everywhere.

Drawing on his research with successful young people, the book highlights that if school is not being made relevant, purposeful and enjoyable for all students, then many young people will simply get on with their lives, despite their education.

Martin is also in demand for his work with schools in partnership with performance poet and Independent Thinking Associate Mikey Markham (AKA Rhythmical Mike). This unique collaboration sees them working together both to help teachers in their approach to supporting some of our most hard-to-reach young people as well as working directly with children and students on poetry, literacy, oracy, performance and, ultimately, the power of education.

A challenging, witty and down-to-earth speaker, Martin never fails to engage his audience with practical ideas forged on the front line as well as hard-earned wisdom from a career dedicated to improving education.

All, of course, delivered with a dose of good, honest Northern humour.

Whether you are looking for an INSET speaker to motivate your staff as they take on the challenges that lie ahead, CPD to reenergise colleagues by helping them reconnect with why they came into the job in the first place or a keynote speaker to provide ideas and inspiration both for leadership and for teaching and learning in your schools, Martin is someone who you can rely on to rise to the challenge.

And help schools rise to the challenge too.

Great external speaker – motivating and inspiring but most importantly engaging. A very thought provoking talk!

Martin Illingworth was very motivational…pinning knowledge to emotions or feelings…laugh – cry – remember

It’s hard to concentrate when you are laughing so much. On the other hand, Martin Illingworth is passionate about teaching kids and the poignant moments make you think about what you are doing

Martin Illingworth’s philosophy is inspiring

Most inspiring talk I've ever listened to. I felt very emotional at times and it has really made me think about my role as a teacher. Every school needs to have you and Mikey Markham visit them!

The feedback from all staff was really positive, with lots of people commenting on how "motivating" and "insightful" your session was

It was really helpful in allowing staff to reflect on their practice and will have a real impact. Thank you for this

Martin Illingworth In His Own Words

"WE MUST OFFER CHILDREN AN EDUCATION OF HOPE; THAT THEIR LIVES
RIGHT NOW HAVE PURPOSE AND DELIGHT, AND THAT THE FUTURE IS
LOOKING BRIGHT…’ - THINK BEFORE YOU TEACH