In this conversation, Cleo de Jong and I explore the meaning of strength. We discuss how this is modelled as a mother and within leadership.
Cleo speaks about juggling online teaching during the pandemic, vulnerability, and the importance of drawing on support from others. Digging deep into her own upbringing, Cleo talks about her experience of being uplifted by strong matriarchal figures and how this has shaped her own parenting.
Recently, Cleo de Jong was appointed Deputy Headteacher at a secondary school in North London with responsibility for Curriculum. She is the mother of two daughters, aged seven and two and works full time with flexible hours. The late starts facilitate school drop-offs.
Cleo demonstrates strength and how to use it effectively to progress and maintain presence in motherhood and leadership.
*CONTENT WARNING* This episode discusses fertility issues including miscarriage.
Strength is me saying, this is too much…I need someone to help me or I need some time or I need some space and it’s being able to speak up.
Cleo de Jong
Deputy Headteacher
Cleo de Jong is a newly appointed Deputy Headteacher and works full-time at a secondary school in North London with responsibility for Curriculum. Previously she led on the Pastoral System: Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.
As well as working full-time, Cleo has recently contributed to two books; the recently released Diverse Educators: A Manifesto Edited by Hannah Wilson & Bennie Kara and Flex Education by Lucy Rose & Lindsay Patience.
Cleo took her first maternity leave during a move from working abroad in an international school in Thailand and returning to the UK. During this time, due to being in between jobs and countries, Cleo received no maternity pay. Cleo’s second maternity leave coincided with the start of the pandemic. Fortunately, Cleo’s husband was working from home for the first six months which was a benefit for the whole family.
Highlights:
- 11:09 Miscarriage policy and struggles with conceiving
- 18:46 Strength in leadership
- 24:27 Courage, confidence, competence and collaboration
- 36:33 Being assertive
- 57:14 Change in maternity practice
Resources
Twitter: @MaternityCPD
MTPT Project
Diana Osagie
Books:
- Courageous Leadership by Diana Osagie
- Diverse Educators: A Manifesto Edited by Hannah Wilson & Bennie Kara
- Flex Education by Lucy Rose & Lindsay Patience
The Motherhood & Leadership series is a collaboration with The MTPT Project.
All nine episodes of The Motherhood & Leadership Series are sponsored by Teach First Networks. Find out details about all the networks on offer at www.teachfirst.org.uk/networks
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