February 8th: Today’s Feature

February

Anthony Donovan O'Connor, (7/2/1918 - 30/1/2006) was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He began his educational journey at St John's College, where he excelled in various subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, History, Geography, Religious Education, and Spanish. Remarkably, he completed his Cambridge Certificates in these subjects at the young age of 16. Continuing his academic pursuits, O'Connor enrolled at Cosmopolitan High School, where he eventually transitioned into a teaching role.

Breaking barriers and making history, Anthony Donovan O'Connor became the first Black teacher from the Windrush era to be appointed as a head teacher in the United Kingdom. From 1967 to 1983, he served as the esteemed head teacher of Bearwood Junior and Infant School, which is now known as Bearwood Primary School. His dedication and leadership left a lasting impact on the school community.

Outside of his professional life, O'Connor resided in Hall Green, a suburban area in Birmingham. He shared his life with his loving wife and two daughters, creating a warm and nurturing family environment. O'Connor's commitment to education and his significant contributions as a teacher and head teacher have left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of the UK.

In 1943, Anthony O'Connor made his way to the United Kingdom, joining the wave of Caribbean immigrants who arrived during that time and the subsequent years. These individuals were sought after to aid in the country's reconstruction efforts following the devastating impact of both World Wars. O'Connor willingly volunteered for the Royal Air Force, serving a commendable five- year commission. Once his term with the RAF concluded, he embarked on a teacher training course under the Ministry of Education.

After completing his training, Anthony O'Connor began his career as a teacher in various schools. His dedication and expertise led him to be appointed as the deputy head teacher at St Matthew's Church of England Primary School, followed by his promotion to head teacher in Bearwood. O'Connor's contributions to education were groundbreaking, as he became a true pioneer in his field.

Not only did O'Connor excel in the realm of education, buthe also made history by becoming the first Black magistrate in Birmingham. This achievement was particularly significant considering the prevalent racism that plagued the UK during that time. In the areas where O'Connor taught, such as Smethwick,

racist slogans and Nazi graffiti were unfortunately commonplace. He faced derogatory comments and threats, prompting him to take measures to protect his family, including sending his daughters to live in the safety of the rural countryside.

It is worth noting that in 1965, Smethwick was chosen by Malcolm X as part of his political campaign. He believed that by influencing and garnering Black support in this area, he could further his political activities. Tragically, shortly after his return to the United States, Malcolm X was assassinated, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

To honour the memory and legacy of Mr. O'Connor, a Commemorative Facebook Page was created in 2017 as part of a campaign to erect a plaque in his honour. This serves as a testament to his remarkable contributions to education and his resilience in the face of adversity. Anthony O'Connor's story is one of determination, courage, and the pursuit of equality, making him a true inspiration for generations to come.

Anthony O'Connor played a crucial role in revolutionising the way mathematics was taught in the West Midlands. During the early stages of the development of Nuffield Primary Mathematics, he was invited to join a group of four teachers to organise the program. His contribution was fundamental to its success. What set his approach apart was that he introduced in-service training for staff in all participating schools, which was a groundbreaking concept at the time. Additionally, he took charge of organising and teaching induction courses for newly qualified and temporary teachers on behalf of the Local Authority. He also played an active role in recommending educational resources to the Education Library of the Local Authority.

Anthony O'Connor's innovative work extended beyond the realm of teaching. He was a pioneer in introducing various audiovisual aids to enhance education in local schools during the 1970s. These included tape recorders, film strip projectors, sound projectors, and overhead projectors. These novel approaches were aimed at providing teachers and youth leaders with effective tools to engage students and facilitate learning. His efforts in this regard were highly regarded and greatly contributed to the advancement of education in the West Midlands.

Even after his tenure, Anthony Donovan O'Connor continues to be highly respected and admired by his peers, former students, parents of Bearwood Junior and Infant School, and the wider community. In recognition of his exceptional work at the school, one of its laboratories has been named after him, serving as a lasting tribute to his legacy. It is now incumbent upon everyone to come together and celebrate the remarkable contributions made by this pioneering headteacher. His dedication and innovative approaches have left an indelible mark on the field of education, and it is important to honour and share his achievements with future generations.