01/03/2023
Meet the Authors (part 1!)
Dave Cole 🏄♂️🌊
Having obtained a classical law degree from the University of Exeter, Dave secured a job in financial services. Motivated by people and the desire to help others, it wasn’t long before the world of education came knocking. His career fate was sealed after a chance chat with none other than Bob himself. Bob persuaded him to move out of his office job in finance and his pinstripe suit and into the classroom – a move from which he has never looked back.
In 2003, following a PGCE at Greenwich University, Dave secured his first teaching role at Furzefield Primary School. Here, he spent several happy years as a contented caveman under Bob’s headship. Gaining valuable experience during this time, as both a teacher and leader, and enjoying his role of leading practitioner of primary mathematics, it wasn’t long before Dave, keen to replicate the culture he had enjoyed being part of, spread his wings.
In the years that followed, he worked in a range of school settings in different leadership roles – from SENCo to Headteacher. At the heart of this work sat people, relationships and fun, along with his passion for empowering both children and adults.
In 2016, Dave founded Shine Education and Training, which now operates across the South East and works with teachers, leaders, trainees, schools, multi-academy trusts and governors. Through various Shine Leadership Development Programmes, Dave has worked with hundreds of education professionals, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Dave also works as a Trainer, Headteacher Coach and School Improvement Partner. His guiding aim, through a strength-based approach, is to ensure that his work leaves teachers and leaders feeling empowered and energised.
During their different headships and, more latterly, in their work with trainee teachers and school leaders, Dave and Bob have found opportunities to have fun working together. Their time is spent chatting about education, culture and the importance of educators as the backbone of our country.
