Community spotlight: STAMMA Educators
In the first in our new series shining a light on stammering communities across the UK, we chat to Roberta Volpe from the network for anyone working in education.
Did you know that there are almost 50 stammering communities and groups across the UK? At STAMMA, we're proud to support these independently run communities, from local groups in places such as Edinburgh and Coventry, to professional networks at the NHS, BBC and more.
We want to showcase the fantastic work that is going on, so we're launching our Community Spotlight series, where we bring groups from all corners of the nation straight to you! We'll be speaking to the people involved and hearing about what they get up to.
This new monthly series kicks off here in September, a time when lots of people are heading back to schools, colleges and universities for study or work. What better way to mark the season than by hearing from Roberta Volpe, the founder of our wonderful STAMMA Educators network!
STAMMA: Hi Roberta! What made you start your stammering group?
Roberta: I founded STAMMA Educators in 2021 to raise awareness of stammering in schools and universities, and to support both students and teachers who stammer. During my teacher training, I realised there was no continuing professional development (CPD) or support for students who stammer, unlike for autism or dyslexia, for example. Having a stammer nearly prevented me from becoming a teacher, as I thought I was alone. But by being open about my stammer, I found a supportive community and understood the importance of talking about stammering.
STAMMA: Can you tell us about your group and its members? What is your mission?
Roberta: Our network provides a safe space for sharing experiences and promoting understanding in education. We are made up of teachers and people passionate about the educational environment around the world, but it is also open to parents, teaching staff and anyone involved in supporting students who stammer. Our mission is to create a space where stammering can be discussed openly, to raise awareness in schools, and to support both students and educators. My dream is that one day, every school in the world will have a CPD dedicated to stammering.
Our ultimate goal is to normalise conversations about stammering and equip schools with the tools to support students effectively.
STAMMA: What are typical meetings like in your group?
Roberta: We currently meet online on the first Saturday of each month, from 10–11am UK time. Each meeting has a light agenda but the focus is on creating a supportive, open space for members to encourage one another, share experiences, and discuss ideas for raising awareness in schools. We chat about what has worked in different environments, share resources and plan projects like our 'Let's Get Talking' campaign, which encourages talks about stammering in schools.
Members exchange practical advice on supporting students, reflect on their own experiences and discuss ways to make education more inclusive. The meetings are informal yet purposeful, giving everyone a chance to contribute while fostering a sense of community. We aim to build confidence, promote understanding and ensure that stammering is recognised as an important topic within education, alongside other learning differences.
STAMMA Educators is more than a network — it is a supportive space where teachers, parents and anyone involved in education can come together to talk, learn and inspire change. Our ultimate goal is to normalise conversations about stammering and equip schools with the tools to support students effectively, creating an environment where everyone who stammers can thrive.
STAMMA: Can you tell us what STAMMA Educators has been up to recently?
Roberta: One of the most important successes of STAMMA Educators has been our campaign to raise awareness of stammering in schools. Around 8% of children stammer at some point, yet it is rarely discussed. Inspired by my own experience as a teacher with a stammer, I wanted to give students the tools to understand and support people who stammer.
It was his first time reading in front of the class and seeing him take that step was incredibly emotional and rewarding.
During my visits to classes, I shared my experiences with over 500 students, focusing on empathy, addressing misconceptions and encouraging active listening. One particularly moving moment was when I introduced a learning objective and invited a student to read it aloud. The student volunteered and I discovered that he also stammers. It was his first time reading in front of the class and seeing him take that step was incredibly emotional and rewarding.
The campaign has since inspired other educators to hold similar talks. Moments like this show how awareness and openness can transform confidence and behaviour. Facing my own fears and being honest about stammering has not only empowered me but also allowed me to plant seeds of understanding, empathy and inclusion for the next generation, making this one of my most meaningful achievements.
STAMMA: Do you have any future plans for your group?
Roberta: Last year, I was scheduled to speak at STAMMAFest, STAMMA's biennial conference, in Nottingham but had to cancel due to starting a job in Dubai. I was also meant to speak at the 15th ISA World Congress but had to work in London. However, I'm determined to participate in next year's STAMMAFest and use it to raise awareness in schools — I won't miss it.
STAMMA: What do you think people would get out of joining your group?
Roberta: People would enjoy joining our group because it's a supportive, welcoming space. Members connect, feel understood and contribute to creating more inclusive schools where stammering is openly discussed and respected.
STAMMA: What have you gained personally from being part of STAMMA Educators?
Roberta: Being part of this network has given me confidence, practical skills and a sense of purpose. I've met teachers from all around the world, shared experiences and learned from their approaches to supporting students who stammer. I've gained inspiration from members' dedication, learned how to turn personal experiences into impactful teaching and built connections that feel like a supportive community. It's empowered me to face my own fears and advocate for stammering education with confidence.
STAMMA: Final question! What would you say to anyone who is hesitant about joining a stammering support group?
Roberta: I would say: don't hesitate! Our group is a supportive, welcoming space free of judgement. You'll meet people who understand, make connections, and leave feeling inspired, empowered and part of a community that truly cares.
The STAMMA Educators Network currently meets online on the first Saturday of each month, from 10am to 11am. If you're an educator and would like to join, email stammaeducators@gmail.com for details or to reach out if you have any questions.
Read more about Roberta's experience and the 'Let's Get Talking' campaign.
See if there's a group or network you can join from our list of Stammering Communities.
Related Links
Become a member
It's free
Join the movement to change how people understand and react to stammering.
Campaign. Fundraise. Connect. Meet. Vote. Talk.
