Read Tom’s Latest Substack here.

Education as “I act” instead of “I do”

About Tom

Tom Mahoney is an educator, school leader, and educational researcher who invites teachers and school leaders to reflect on one of the most important questions in education: What is the purpose of education?

Through his work, Tom encourages educators to move beyond assumptions and reconsider how the aims of education shape everyday practice in schools. He believes that when teachers and leaders intentionally reflect on why they teach, they are better able to align their classroom practice, leadership decisions, and school culture with the values they believe matter most.

Tom’s work focuses on helping schools develop a stronger sense of professional agency and purpose. By creating space for thoughtful dialogue and reflection, he supports educators to make deliberate, values-driven choices about teaching, learning, and leadership.

He brings this work to life through teaching, writing, coaching, mentoring, and engaging with educators across the profession. Tom also shares his thinking through his blog, The Interruption on Substack, where he explores contemporary educational issues through the lens of this central question about the purpose of education.

Through these conversations and collaborations, Tom aims to support educators to think deeply about their work and the impact it has on students, schools, and society.

Read Tom’s Latest Substack here.

Education as “I act” instead of “I do”