In Conversation with Kerry Munden –Tempest’s Teaching & Learning Lead
“A great teacher doesn’t just follow the curriculum – they bend it, mould it, and make it meaningful.”
At Tempest Resourcing, our commitment to education goes beyond recruitment. We believe in supporting teachers and support staff throughout their professional journey, helping them develop, grow, and progress.
Leading that mission is Kerry Munden, our Teaching and Learning Lead, whose experience as a Headteacher, curriculum leader, and mentor shapes every element of our CPD and candidate development.
To bring her perspective to life, Kerry shared her thoughts on what truly makes a great teacher, how she keeps training relevant in a fast-changing sector, and the advice she offers to those ready to step into leadership.
What distinguishes a “good teacher” from a “great teacher”?
“From my perspective, a good teacher delivers effective lessons, maintains high expectations, and ensures students make solid progress.
A great teacher goes further, they inspire curiosity, foster resilience, and adapt their practice like a pro, whether they’re teaching Shakespeare or fractions on a rainy Monday morning.
Great teachers don’t just follow the curriculum; they bend it, mould it, and make it meaningful for their students. They reflect, seek feedback, and are continually open to learning (even when the photocopier decides to test their patience).
They understand that emotional wellbeing and belonging matter just as much as academic achievement. In today’s ever-changing landscape, a great teacher is agile, relational, and invested in the whole child.
And above all, they show up, with heart, every single day.”
How do you keep training and mentoring relevant and impactful?
“With only 60 minutes per training session, there’s always far more I could say, but I stay focused on what will actually make a difference.
I keep training relevant through a proactive, strategic approach: staying up to date with national policy updates, curriculum changes, inspection frameworks, and the inevitable wave of new acronyms that arrive each term.
Training content is shaped by participant needs, always with student outcomes at its core. In mentoring, I use a blend of coaching, reflective practice, and real-world expectations, helping candidates understand not just what to do, but why and how within different educational settings.
The overarching aim is to build a culture of continuous learning. When people reflect, adapt, and grow, training stays relevant, and we all stay a few steps ahead of whatever surprise Ofsted throws at us next.”
What advice would you give to teachers or support staff looking to move into senior roles?
“My advice is threefold:
First, focus on impact, not titles. Leadership is about influence and accountability, not getting the biggest office (which, incidentally, always seems to be next to the noisiest corridor).
Second, invest in your professional development. Understand curriculum, data, behaviour, safeguarding, strategy, all the unglamorous but essential foundations of leadership.
Third, develop emotional intelligence. Senior leaders need to listen well, support colleagues, manage difficult conversations, and model consistency and professionalism, preferably without losing their sense of humour.
Seek opportunities to lead small projects, ask for feedback, shadow leaders, and step outside your comfort zone. Senior leadership is challenging, rewarding, and occasionally chaotic, but with the right mindset, it’s one of the most fulfilling journeys in education.”
Kerry’s Impact at Tempest
Kerry’s approach embodies everything Tempest stands for: quality, care, and continuous improvement. Through her CPD sessions and mentoring, she ensures every candidate we work with is classroom-ready, confident, and committed to making a difference.
Her sessions cover crucial areas such as safeguarding, behaviour management, and SEND awareness, supporting educators at all stages of their careers.
If you’re a teacher or support professional looking to develop your practice, or a school seeking staff who arrive prepared and passionate, explore our CPD opportunities and education partnerships.
