I have never really engaged with this Twitter account but recent events have allowed me to recognise the power in sharing my experiences in the hope that it can contribute to a wider discussion.

As a black female history teacher I entered my teacher training with @teachfirst feeling empowered about the difference I could be making in the classroom.

However, this enthusiasm was almost immediately overshadowed with the demands of training in extremely challenging conditions (which I won't expand on for the time being) and faced with countless microaggressions within my workplace and wider @teachfirst professional network.

Regardless of these obstacles I chose to remain optimistic and thankful for the opportunities available in the wider history teaching community with access to the amazing work from @histassoc @mrwbw @hannahcusworth @nickdennis etc.

Also @YBTN_uk and their efforts in supporting and uplifting black educators.

But witnessing a direct challenge to another trainee's attempt to hold an organisation accountable to their mission statement and seek best possible solutions for us educators to support our black students at this difficult time is where I have to draw the line.

When confronted with someone who is responsible for the education and welfare of young black students feels entitled enough to casually describe anti-blackness as 'nonsense' I will no longer remain silent.

I have spent the last two years feeling conflicted on speaking out on such incidents, mainly the for the sake of avoiding being labelled as another 'angry black woman'. But I am TIRED.

Navigating the education sector as a black teacher is an experience that can only be best described as bittersweet. I am extremely proud that I represent and advocate for voices that are often neglected and contribute to a curriculum that is representative for all students.

However, remaining committed to this whilst working in spaces where your very existence can be easily ignored, challenged and ridiculed is not sustainable for anyone. Which leaves me to ask how can teaching become a safe space for black educators?

This is a time where we can unite to build a society in which black people feel safe and proud to belong in. But, this is only possible when we can all recognise our own complicity in response to an intangible force that is becoming even more challenging to dismantle.