Introducing new trustee Katy Isaac

We are really pleased that Katy Isaac has joined Jacari's board of trustees as our EAL and Teaching Trustee. Katy brings so much valuable experience to the board, with over 25 years' experience working in education. Her roles have included teacher, leader, trainer, examiner and consultant. Before becoming a trustee, Katy worked in partnership with Jacari for several years whilst leading EAL in one of our partner schools.

Learn more about Katy in our Q&A:

What were you doing before joining Jacari?

I have been working in English language education for over 25 years in a wide variety of roles and contexts. Most recently I have been working as a trainer for The Bell Foundation, a charity that seeks to overcome disadvantage through language education, supporting schools to develop their EAL provision. I’m excited to be taking a new role next month as Trust EAL Lead for Venturers Trust, a multi-academy trust in Bristol.

What attracted you to become a trustee at Jacari?

Jacari’s work is closely aligned to my own professional interests and personal values, and through my previous involvement with the charity, I know it to be well worth supporting. While working as EAL lead in a Bristol primary school I worked in partnership with Jacari for several years, seeing many pupils matched with volunteer tutors. We were grateful for other opportunities gained through our partnership too, such as trips for families. I saw first-hand how Jacari’s work can have a positive impact on some of the most vulnerable children in schools, and I also experienced some of the challenges and obstacles that can occur in the process. I hope that this knowledge and understanding would be helpful on the board of trustees. I believe the impact of Jacari’s work goes beyond the progress of pupils; I have seen, for example, how Jacari can create connections and deeper understanding between communities, and I am thrilled to be able to contribute in some way to its important work!

What skills do you bring to the charity?

I hope that my experience in education and training means I can contribute some useful skills to the board. This includes experience in quality assurance, mentoring, training and resources development, and the implementation of effective processes in schools. Since joining the board, I have been so impressed with the dedication, skills, and hard work of the staff and other board members. I feel privileged to be a part of the team!