Ian Dawson

Training or an Early Careers teacher in Yorkshire or Lancashire? Thinking of going to the HA Conference for the first time in May? The Jim Shields and Bob Unwin Bursaries, in honour of two great teachers, may help you get there! history.org.uk/aboutus/news/4…

@bones_carmel What a brilliant photo - great idea to use the inspirational Kevin Sinfield.

Tidying up after 🎅 my girls suggested the pile of books 📚 I’ve read preparing my book might be as tall as me…ok so I put my boots on! 😝🥳 Can’t wait to see it in print in 2026…I’m standing on the shoulders of all the giants I ever shared a classroom or ideas with! 🫶

In memory of Ian Coulson, a great history teacher and friend of history teachers, who died ten years ago this month.

If you've found this book helpful, could you send me a few words about it via DM or below. I'm hoping to put together a collection of positive comments for the author who's having medical treatment at the moment. Many thanks.

@bones_carmel Not quite my 20th GNR but was back on court today for first time as a 74 yr old and since I was in hospital briefly last month - and my feet moved well and the ball hit the middle of the racquet, even on backhand volleys.

20th Great_Run #GNR2025 complete! Congrats 🥳 to all involved a day like no other. I appear to be chasing the legend that is @RLBarrieMc10 one of my late husband’s @leedsrhinos heroes so that made me even more emotional💕 lots has changed 2005-2025 but running 🏃🏻‍♀️ is a constant 🙌🏻

@bones_carmel Brilliant, Carmel - so pleased if you finished your 20th in style and in such appropriate company.

A happy moment hearing from a student I taught in the late 1980s. It's easy to wonder in teaching about the value of our work but contacts like this provide evidence that the efforts teachers put in are worthwhile in ways far beyond the achievement of a good exam result

Quite an inspiration for anyone facing stoma surgery and even for those of us who have had a stoma for decades. No publicity like this back in 1981!

@MartinPengelly @guardian @rugbyworldcup @USARugby @EnglandRugby @Dallen_Stanford @lizardrugby @AlexCorbs @will_hooley @DanLyle8 Thanks, Martin. I've had a stoma since 1981 age 30 and still play tennis. More importantly I was one of the first to have surgery that now helps Cass & others have stomas reversed. It didn't work then but knowing it works now makes a great 74th b'day present!

My interview with the remarkable Cass Bargell @Guardian, ahead of ⁦@rugbyworldcup⁩ opener, ⁦@USARugby⁩ v ⁦@EnglandRugby⁩, Friday… ⁦@Dallen_Stanford⁩ ⁦@lizardrugby⁩ ⁦@AlexCorbs⁩ ⁦@will_hooley⁩ ⁦@DanLyle8⁩ theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug…

@bones_carmel @histassoc Thanks, Carmel - yes, home and resting sensibly, which doesn't come naturally but to do otherwise would invoke the wrath of Paddy. Will DM in the next couple of days.

@BearWithOneEar @histassoc Oh no 🙉 Ian, I hope you’re on the mend and back at home? Let’s see if @histassoc go with your idea! The front cover of Teaching History is iconic! 💕

Ok…so I know there’s the small matter of a session plan & proposal but I was thinking of these for @histassoc conference 2026 @BearWithOneEar & the many many attendees who have remarked on my 👠over the years! #4ft10inch (me not the heels 😝) 🏃🏻‍♀️ whad’ya reckon?! 🤗

@vandergraafly Thank you. Dad was very proud of his Burma Star, the campaign medal. It's now with one of his grandsons who's a navy lieutenant.

@BearWithOneEar Burma was about as tough as it gets 🩸

For VJ Day Sergeant George Dawson (seated), Royal Artillery 39-45, served in Indian and Burma, 42-45. An intelligent and kind man, he would have been an excellent teacher if born in a different decade. Like so many, he never spoke about his war in India and Burma.

Deeper background for anyone teaching about Henry V at KS3 or A level - how one family was involved in parliamentary discussions, recruitment, mustering, preparations for departure: How did the Redmayns experience the preparations for war 1414-1415? thinkinghistory.co.uk/MedievalFamili…

CPD delight for history teachers from @histassoc - an inspiring & profound hour's conversation led by Penelope Harnett - follow-up to her keynote lecture at 2024 HA conference. Equally valuable for secondary & primary teachers @htenuk history.org.uk/secondary/modu…

Jim Shields, a very special history teacher in a very quiet way. theguardian.com/education/2025…

@richjamesuk @theipaper Thank you - although tackling disability at the other end of the age range it's been very supportive to read this. We have used up so much energy the last 3 years trying to help others try to deal with my wife becoming disabled.

because of his values, his ideals of service, the rewards, staying in touch with colleagues or maybe he just couldn't let go because continuing made him feel valued? The retirement dilemma 15thC style! And why might he have had early doubts about Henry V's potential as king?

Posted Chapter 14 of my history of Richard and Elizabeth Redmayn - Why did Richard Redmayn continue in royal service under Henry V? 1413-1414 thinkinghistory.co.uk/MedievalFami... Richard was nearly 60 in 1413 so why keep riding to and from Westminster & elsewhere in all weathers? Was it ..

@SGK74 We all find it harder to identify the good we do as teachers & much easier to remember moments when we wish we'd said/done something different. My friend & I remain grateful to Jim 55 yrs on - quite a tribute to a career classroom teacher - but there'll be many many such examples

@BearWithOneEar And that is so beautiful. ❤️ I hope and pray that I have done the same thing with my pupils.

I heard today that my history teacher from O and A level 1966-70 has died. He made a huge difference - he made me feel valued, confident and respected and that was what I carried forward - helping students feel respected is the essence of teaching. thinkinghistory.co.uk/Issues/downl...