Dr Jack Williams
@williamsj.bsky.social
RE teacher in Yorkshire. PhD in Philosophy of Religion from University of Edinburgh.
http://jackwilliamsphilosophy.co.uk
http://jackwilliamsphilosophy.co.uk
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Dr Jack Williams
@williamsj.bsky.social
· Nov 17
Time to re-introduce myself... I'm an RE teacher working in Yorkshire, currently training with Teach First. I have a PhD in Philosophy of Religion and spent a while in academia before starting teacher training. Looking to connect with other RE teachers and anyone interested in philosophy or religion
Reposted by Dr Jack Williams
Ella Al-Shamahi's Human documentary is exceptional - a detailed yet engaging look at our common ancestors. Its real success is closing the gap of millennia to make prehistoric Homo sapiens seem just like us - which of course they were!
August 8, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Ella Al-Shamahi's Human documentary is exceptional - a detailed yet engaging look at our common ancestors. Its real success is closing the gap of millennia to make prehistoric Homo sapiens seem just like us - which of course they were!
Bittersweet to listen to the last episode of Keeping it 101, which has for the last 5 years been so entertaining and educational, and shaped how I teach and understand religion. Kudos to @profirmf.bsky.social and @mpgphd.bsky.social for showing what exceptional public scholarship can look like.
July 22, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Bittersweet to listen to the last episode of Keeping it 101, which has for the last 5 years been so entertaining and educational, and shaped how I teach and understand religion. Kudos to @profirmf.bsky.social and @mpgphd.bsky.social for showing what exceptional public scholarship can look like.
Laura Bates is so articulate here in outlining how everyday sexism *still* exists and has transformed in the online & AI world, posing new risks for young girls and boys. She explains clearly how the recent crisis of masculinity remains a fundamentally feminist issue.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Radical with Amol Rajan - AI and Sexism: The Fight Against Misogyny Online - BBC Sounds
Laura Bates on how algorithms are fuelling misogyny and radicalising young men.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 22, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Laura Bates is so articulate here in outlining how everyday sexism *still* exists and has transformed in the online & AI world, posing new risks for young girls and boys. She explains clearly how the recent crisis of masculinity remains a fundamentally feminist issue.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Moving from academia to school teaching has confirmed this for me. Ultimately, the most efficient way to deliver information to someone is to tell them. Methods that rely on students working it out for themselves underestimate the importance of prior knowledge.
Thing I am an absolute complete total reactionary about: there has not actually been invented a better model of conveying information in a learning environment than the basic structure of a traditional lecture. A speaker standing in some sort of unique focal point for the attention of listeners...
July 12, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Moving from academia to school teaching has confirmed this for me. Ultimately, the most efficient way to deliver information to someone is to tell them. Methods that rely on students working it out for themselves underestimate the importance of prior knowledge.
Just discovered The RE Podcast and loved the recent episode on the Scopes trial. I think maybe the most important insight for understanding fundamentalism is that it's not "medieval" or "old-fashioned" but thoroughly modern. #TeamRE
open.spotify.com/episode/3MCB...
open.spotify.com/episode/3MCB...
S15 E6: The One About The Scopes Trial
The RE Podcast · Episode
open.spotify.com
July 10, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Just discovered The RE Podcast and loved the recent episode on the Scopes trial. I think maybe the most important insight for understanding fundamentalism is that it's not "medieval" or "old-fashioned" but thoroughly modern. #TeamRE
open.spotify.com/episode/3MCB...
open.spotify.com/episode/3MCB...
I had a really good time teaching a one off lesson on "Who was Jesus?" with year 7 today. We enjoyed learning about life in first century Palestine and exploring the world Jesus lived in.
July 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
I had a really good time teaching a one off lesson on "Who was Jesus?" with year 7 today. We enjoyed learning about life in first century Palestine and exploring the world Jesus lived in.
"Cognitive effort is not a barrier to learning, it’s what makes learning happen."
This is probably the most important thing I learnt this year. 'How can I make sure all students are thinking hard throughout every lesson?' has become a key principle for me.
open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...
This is probably the most important thing I learnt this year. 'How can I make sure all students are thinking hard throughout every lesson?' has become a key principle for me.
open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...
ChatGPT can plan lessons but it can’t think for you
How generative AI is transforming lesson planning and why teaching still depends on what happens inside teachers' heads
open.substack.com
July 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM
"Cognitive effort is not a barrier to learning, it’s what makes learning happen."
This is probably the most important thing I learnt this year. 'How can I make sure all students are thinking hard throughout every lesson?' has become a key principle for me.
open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...
This is probably the most important thing I learnt this year. 'How can I make sure all students are thinking hard throughout every lesson?' has become a key principle for me.
open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...
In our brief interaction, I found Helen to be kind, thoughtful, generous, and an excellent philosopher and intellectual. Their passing is a great loss
Dear all,
Helen passed away at 13:21 local time. Helen would not have wanted us to be sad for a long time. All they wanted was to be remembered. They looked forward to being rid of pain and to being at rest. Helen took great comfort in you, their friends and readers.
pt. 1/2
Helen passed away at 13:21 local time. Helen would not have wanted us to be sad for a long time. All they wanted was to be remembered. They looked forward to being rid of pain and to being at rest. Helen took great comfort in you, their friends and readers.
pt. 1/2
June 21, 2025 at 12:44 PM
In our brief interaction, I found Helen to be kind, thoughtful, generous, and an excellent philosopher and intellectual. Their passing is a great loss
This is especially relevant for trainees. By design you spend a lot of time looking at what you're still not getting right but it's also important to regularly look back to see how far you've come.
www.teacherrecharge.com/blog/teachin...
This has been my mindset . Such a lovely article
: “In short, being in the gap can be depleting and discouraging. It’s a long, exhausting road to burnout. Being in the gain is affirming and energizing. It helps you see the fruits of your labor”
#EduSky
This has been my mindset . Such a lovely article
: “In short, being in the gap can be depleting and discouraging. It’s a long, exhausting road to burnout. Being in the gain is affirming and energizing. It helps you see the fruits of your labor”
#EduSky
Are you teaching in the gap or the gain? — Teacher Recharge
Have you ever ended a school day feeling like you didn’t accomplish enough? Maybe you made some progress, but you still have so far to go. In our work, with the to-do list constantly growing and the e...
www.teacherrecharge.com
March 27, 2025 at 6:27 AM
This is especially relevant for trainees. By design you spend a lot of time looking at what you're still not getting right but it's also important to regularly look back to see how far you've come.
Food for thought as I prepare to teach Peace & Conflict to year 9. "Pacifism couldn't stop the Nazis" is a common argument I hear the classroom but it's worth noting that militarism didn't stop Hitler's rise to power, nor create a safe world or lasting peace.
March 9, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Food for thought as I prepare to teach Peace & Conflict to year 9. "Pacifism couldn't stop the Nazis" is a common argument I hear the classroom but it's worth noting that militarism didn't stop Hitler's rise to power, nor create a safe world or lasting peace.
Some simple but good advice for teachers here. In particular, I've found thinking about the order in which I give instructions has made a big difference this half term.
*** NEW POST ***
If memory is the residue of thought, how do we support pupils to think about the content of the lesson rather than its container?
www.tes.com/magazine/tea... via @tesmagazine.bsky.social
If memory is the residue of thought, how do we support pupils to think about the content of the lesson rather than its container?
www.tes.com/magazine/tea... via @tesmagazine.bsky.social
4 ways to stop accidentally distracting your students
Students remember what they think about - so, as teachers, we need to present our content in a way that keeps their minds focused on the content alone, says Mark Enser
www.tes.com
February 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Some simple but good advice for teachers here. In particular, I've found thinking about the order in which I give instructions has made a big difference this half term.
Spent this morning teaching year 9 about Dukkha caused by dissatisfaction. Perhaps a lesson to be learned there for this individual. #TeamRE
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Judge halts attempt to retrieve £600m bitcoin wallet from Welsh dump
James Howells, 39, took council to court to try to force it to let him search site for hard drive thrown away by accident
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Spent this morning teaching year 9 about Dukkha caused by dissatisfaction. Perhaps a lesson to be learned there for this individual. #TeamRE
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Started this today - using a hermeneutic approach to stories about Guru Nanak to introduce Sikhi to Y7. Was apprehensive but they loved it and were really engaged with the story. I'm starting to like the idea of teaching religion through storytelling. #TeamRE
I've enjoyed introducing a little hermeneutics in my classroom this term. Hoping to develop that further next year with year 7 using stories from the Sikhi tradition. #TeamRE
January 8, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Started this today - using a hermeneutic approach to stories about Guru Nanak to introduce Sikhi to Y7. Was apprehensive but they loved it and were really engaged with the story. I'm starting to like the idea of teaching religion through storytelling. #TeamRE
First term as a teacher complete and it's been a wonderful, wild ride. 16 weeks ago I was given a list of 300 names which meant nothing to me; these were the kids in my classes who I have loved getting to know this term, who have made consistently me smile, and who have surprised me every day.
December 19, 2024 at 5:07 PM
First term as a teacher complete and it's been a wonderful, wild ride. 16 weeks ago I was given a list of 300 names which meant nothing to me; these were the kids in my classes who I have loved getting to know this term, who have made consistently me smile, and who have surprised me every day.
I've enjoyed introducing a little hermeneutics in my classroom this term. Hoping to develop that further next year with year 7 using stories from the Sikhi tradition. #TeamRE
December 18, 2024 at 6:49 PM
I've enjoyed introducing a little hermeneutics in my classroom this term. Hoping to develop that further next year with year 7 using stories from the Sikhi tradition. #TeamRE
I'm planning a scheme of work on Sikhi for our year 7s after January. I have limited subject knowledge in this area - does anyone have any resources to recommend? #TeamRE
December 17, 2024 at 4:54 PM
I'm planning a scheme of work on Sikhi for our year 7s after January. I have limited subject knowledge in this area - does anyone have any resources to recommend? #TeamRE
Teaching Buddhism to my year 9s has been a joy so far. Some strong opinions as to whether Siddhartha made a mistake leaving the palace. #TeamRE
December 9, 2024 at 8:35 PM
Teaching Buddhism to my year 9s has been a joy so far. Some strong opinions as to whether Siddhartha made a mistake leaving the palace. #TeamRE
Reposted by Dr Jack Williams
One thing you will never think after reading a great book or listening to a great album or seeing a great piece of art is, “I’m really glad this person remained cautious while they were making this and guarded against being perceived as weird.”
December 6, 2024 at 6:38 PM
One thing you will never think after reading a great book or listening to a great album or seeing a great piece of art is, “I’m really glad this person remained cautious while they were making this and guarded against being perceived as weird.”
It's finally here! My book on religious conversion was published last week
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/rethinkin...
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/rethinkin...
November 18, 2024 at 10:29 AM
It's finally here! My book on religious conversion was published last week
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/rethinkin...
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/rethinkin...
Time to re-introduce myself... I'm an RE teacher working in Yorkshire, currently training with Teach First. I have a PhD in Philosophy of Religion and spent a while in academia before starting teacher training. Looking to connect with other RE teachers and anyone interested in philosophy or religion
November 17, 2024 at 8:33 AM
Time to re-introduce myself... I'm an RE teacher working in Yorkshire, currently training with Teach First. I have a PhD in Philosophy of Religion and spent a while in academia before starting teacher training. Looking to connect with other RE teachers and anyone interested in philosophy or religion
Reposted by Dr Jack Williams
Phase 1: I can't possibly make progress on this chapter without studying that book
Phase 2: scrambles around looking for copy
Phase 3: reads book
Phase 4: well that was no help
Phase 5: I won't do that again
Phase 6: that other book is the one I really need
Phase 7: scrambles around looking for copy
Phase 2: scrambles around looking for copy
Phase 3: reads book
Phase 4: well that was no help
Phase 5: I won't do that again
Phase 6: that other book is the one I really need
Phase 7: scrambles around looking for copy
March 20, 2024 at 4:47 PM
Phase 1: I can't possibly make progress on this chapter without studying that book
Phase 2: scrambles around looking for copy
Phase 3: reads book
Phase 4: well that was no help
Phase 5: I won't do that again
Phase 6: that other book is the one I really need
Phase 7: scrambles around looking for copy
Phase 2: scrambles around looking for copy
Phase 3: reads book
Phase 4: well that was no help
Phase 5: I won't do that again
Phase 6: that other book is the one I really need
Phase 7: scrambles around looking for copy
Descartes can clearly and distinctly conceive of his mind independently of his body - but can he? What is this disembodied mental experience actually like?
Been thinking about the relationship between what can be imagined and what is possible. A lot of attention is paid to different kinds of possibility, but do we sufficiently interrogate whether we can actually imagine everything that we claim we can?
March 13, 2024 at 8:20 PM
Descartes can clearly and distinctly conceive of his mind independently of his body - but can he? What is this disembodied mental experience actually like?
Been thinking about the relationship between what can be imagined and what is possible. A lot of attention is paid to different kinds of possibility, but do we sufficiently interrogate whether we can actually imagine everything that we claim we can?
March 12, 2024 at 5:02 PM
Been thinking about the relationship between what can be imagined and what is possible. A lot of attention is paid to different kinds of possibility, but do we sufficiently interrogate whether we can actually imagine everything that we claim we can?