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Dan Edwards is an award-nominated performer and writer known for creating dynamic works for both stage and screen. He is also a former teacher and school leader and current expert on schools and education.
His debut solo show, The Sound of Muzak, made a splash at the 2024 Leicester Comedy Festival, playing to sold-out crowds and earning a nomination for The Audience Choice Award. Following its success, the show toured at national fringe festivals and venues throughout the summer of 2024. Dan is now developing his next show, Monsters, which is set to tour in 2025.
Dan is a highly qualified teacher of Drama and Theatre Studies and previously worked in education for many years, teaching and holding leadership positions in large inner city schools.
In addition to his work in theatre, Dan hosts the podcast Dan Edwards Has Questions, where he interviews intriguing guests about their work, guided by five key questions. He also writes and narrates a monthly storytelling podcast, A Quiet Night’s Sleep.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book award-nominated performer, writer, and former education leader Dan Edwards for your next event.
Dan Edwards comes from a small town in the UK, where his love for acting began at an early age. Growing up, he was heavily involved in local theatre, where he first discovered his passion for storytelling and performing. This early exposure to drama set the foundation for what would become a promising career in acting.
After honing his skills in school plays and community theatre, Edwards decided to pursue acting professionally. He enrolled in one of the UK’s prestigious drama schools, where he received formal training in acting techniques, voice work, and stagecraft.
He worked in education for many years and has held leadership roles in both the secondary and primary sectors. Most recently, he was Principal at a large inner-city primary school before moving into Executive school leadership.
Dan has developed a range of keynote talks, presentations and workshops for audiences across education and leadership. These include:
EDUCATION 4.0
Since March 2020, education has faced the most significant changes in a generation, but where do we go next? Is the current education system still fit for purpose, or is there a sense of revolution in the air? This speech is aimed at educators at any stage of their profession
Key points of focus:
– Considerations about pedagogy
– Developing new ideas and sharing practice
– ITT and ECT training and support
-Strategic planning and cultural change
LIGHTHEARTED LEADERSHIP
How do we inspire our staff? How do we engage to create a real sense of teamwork within our organisations? The answer: we learn to lead with humanity and offer lighthearted leadership
Key points of focus:
– Self-reflective leadership
– Developing effective relationships
– Creating an organisational culture of support
– Leading with love
THE 4 Cs OF IMPROVEMENT
The only constant is change, but sometimes change can be difficult. The 4 Cs of cultural improvement allow all organisations to reflect, shape their priorities and move forward together.
Key points of focus:
– Organisational reflection
– Models of implementation
– Task prioritisation.
– Pathways for change management
REPOSITIONING DOUGHNUTS
Wellbeing is crumbling, Morale is low. A gathering storm is on the horizon, and education is a breaking point. We have to make things better. Let’s work together to make a change. It’s easier than we think.
Key points of focus:
– Renewed reflections on wellbeing and organisational culture
– Models of implementation and discussions on effective leadership
– Opportunities to consider strategic planning
– Reflections on staff mental health and retention
Dan is also available to host stand-up events.
Dan Edwards presented at our national SSAT Primary Conference in 2021 and shared his insight into effective leadership during challenging circumstances, using a case study of how he kept his school community connected during the coronavirus pandemic. He is a confident and engaging speaker, using practical and relatable examples to illustrate key learning points.Laura Burton – Senior Education Lead (Primary) SSAT
Having met Dan in a range of professional circumstances I was impressed by his knowledge and expertise in all areas of educational leadership. He was able to facilitate an impressive and engaging session for middle leaders from across all phases who were looking to move into senior leadership. Dan has a deep understanding of both the mechanics and human side of leadership – Jay Davenport – The Meraki Spark