Every teacher matters: A conversation with Deputy Headteacher Nic Spearman on leadership, disability and inclusion

Nic Spearman is Deputy Headteacher at the King John School, part of the Zenith Multi Academy Trust in Essex, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. With nearly two decades of experience in secondary education, she is a leader in teaching, learning, staffing, and professional development. She lives with Stargardt's macular dystrophy, a genetic condition that has caused central vision loss and will eventually lead to blindness. Alongside her school leadership role, Nic mentors educators with sight loss through the Macular Society, offering practical support to help them stay and progress in the profession.

As part of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, UNESCO and the International Teacher Task Force convened the global dialogue "Every teacher matters: Teachers with disabilities are drivers of inclusive transformation" to highlight their experiences, insights, and recommendations. In this interview, Nic Spearman shares how she navigated vision loss, advanced into senior leadership, and continues to champion a school culture where every member of the community feels seen, supported, and able to thrive.