Matthew Savage

Assessment, Wellbeing and DEIJ Consultant, Savage Education

An experienced international school principal and leader, architect of #TheMonaLisaEffect®, and host of both the ‘Jack and Me‘ and ‘The Data Conversation‘ podcasts, Matthew is now a speaker, consultant and trainer, working with schools across the world to help ensure every single student can “be seen, be heard, be known and belong”. Editor of SchoolRubric’s InterACT magazine, an Associate Consultant with LSC Education, a trainer for GL Education globally, and Thought Partner with Noonchi Wellbeing, he is also a member of the ECIS‘ DEIJ team and the Global Equality Collective, and a regular contributor to the Diverse Educators network. Proud parent of two adult, transgender children, he lives on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, with his wonderful wife and atypical dog.

Upcoming Presentations

Spikes and Curb Cuts – a UDL Approach to DEIJ

This practical workshop will offer a powerful model for a DEIJ audit of our schools, which consists of the collaborative search for “spikes” within our schools and the cocreation of “curb cuts” that can help remove them.

If, Despite, Regardless, Because: Conditionality and the Transinclusive School

In this workshop, Matthew will share Jack’s story, and offer some practical solutions to help ensure students like Jack are able to be seen, be heard, be known and belong in all of our schools.

Who am I? The Masks We Wear

In this keynote presentation, he will explore the concept of "masking", as it applies to various student characteristics, identities and experiences. He will make the point that our students wear these masks thickly and well, and that we must find creative ways to look and see beneath, if we are to enjoy genuine connection. 

Past Presentations

Pre Conference: If, Despite, Regardless, Because: Conditionality and the Transinclusive School

In this training day, delegates will explore the notion of conditionality within the context of #DEIJ, with a particular focus on gender identity and how to interrogate both policy and practice through this lens. During the day, they will develop a common understanding of the needs and challenges of their trans and non-binary students and staff, and how best to adapt their school that those students - and, indeed, all members of the school community, regardless of their intersecting characteristics and identities - can enjoy a consistent, authentic and palpable sense of belonging.

From Cold to Warm, and From Sheet to Street: Marrying the Quantitative with the Qualitative

This workshop will offer a refreshing, new assessment paradigm, to complement and challenge the orthodoxy of traditional assessment in schools - one that is based on listening and responding to the individual story of each student.

Data for Wellbeing: Measuring What Really Matters

We measure what we value, and we value what we measure. In this workshop, data and assessment expert, Matthew Savage, will explore the different ways in which we can tune into our students’ wellbeing. After all, the better we understand how they are feeling, the more we can connect with their own experience.

Keynote: Who am I? The Masks Students Wear

In this keynote presentation, he will explore the concept of "masking", as it applies to various student characteristics, identities and experiences. He will make the point that our students wear these masks thickly and well, and that we must find creative ways to look and see beneath, if we are to enjoy genuine connection.