What’s the best thing about teaching?
This is my first year of teaching and I have a Year 5/6 mixed class. The best thing about teaching is thinking about the progression the children have made since September, not only in terms of maths and English, but in their confidence, behaviour, resilience, humour and belief in themselves. Knowing that my work, planning, effort, patience and determination has had an impact is the most amazing feeling.
Why did you decide to enter teaching?
Looking back (a long way to my A levels) I wanted to teach then but fell in to a career in leisure management which I enjoyed for 17 years. After this time I realised that I really wanted to make a positive impact on others, that leisure was great but not meaningful. Having children yourself and understanding the desire and need for an excellent education also refocuses priorities.
What’s been your proudest moment in teaching?
This week we've had parents meetings which have given me a great opportunity to share with parents the progress their child has made, and for parents to give feedback on the experience within my class.
During one meeting I was able to tell the parent of a child, who in September was lacking in confidence both academically and emotionally, struggled with any type of failure and was not resilient, that he no longer worries about not achieving perfection, can deal with it when things don't go his way and is much better at controlling his emotions. His mum told me that in his room on the wall, where he does his homework, is the Christmas card I wrote to him, the message inside had been to encourage him to have faith and belief in himself.
I had written the cards with individual messages, hoping that it could make a difference to one of them – and it has. That extra time and effort – that personalised thought and message – was worth it.
I'm sure he won't remember everything I've taught him in the year, but if he can take that message with him, that is, for me, success.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your teaching career?
My major challenge this year has been to keep my expectations for myself realistic. I want to ensure that the children in my class receive the very best from myself and my team.
Although I knew I had experience in schools and from other working environments that would help me succeed, I knew also where my potential weaknesses lay. Having never worked in Year 5/6 prior to this year my understanding of Sats, moderation of writing, expectations of work in class was not as strong as I wanted – so I've ensured I'm open and honest, if I don’t know something I go and ask.
This is a skill we encourage the children to use but somehow many teachers are reluctant. I understand there are things I don't yet know, and when I know the answers to those questions that there will be new questions.
I work with two other very experienced teachers in UKS2 – with a wealth of knowledge for me to tap into. Through open and honest conversations, a willingness to contribute to the team, asking and accepting constructive feedback, communicating with each other, I've been able to gain confidence in the areas I was concerned with, feedback on my planning for the key stage and support from my peers as well as my mentor.
What celebrity best represents you as a teacher in the classroom and why?
Oh my! Possibly The Rock. Not because I look like him – he does the gym far more than I do! But because he is strong willed, determined, kind of fierce, funny and a real softie.
What do you use Tes for?
During my Straight to Teaching course, Tes was my lifeline with all the resources and opportunities for further learning. Now I use Tes resources for planning ideas and for further development courses.
What has using Tes helped/enabled/encouraged you to do?
My Straight to Teaching course with Tes Institute has enabled me to gain a truly strong foundation on which to move forward. The requirements against the Teachers' Standards ensured a secure knowledge of the standards and how to fulfil them. The weekly reflections, although hard to write in the beginning, ensured that I truly reflected on the failures and successes of the week – thus learning from my own experience. The demands of the Tes course, the expectations of my mentor, coupled with the resources and support, pushed me to be the best I could possibly be.
My year with Tes was the year of Covid, and part of the year my school was closed so I contributed to home learning and also teaching key worker's children. Then the school flooded and I taught key worker's children from a leisure centre, then for four weeks in part of a local high school.
Through all of this my mentor Jo was exceptional, ensuring that if traditional learning could not be achieved, I was learning and gaining from my experience.
This has directly transferred to the classroom, as I give my children my expectations, resources, support and explain that I want them to achieve the best they can. I also understand that every experience is a potential learning experience, that whatever is happening – good or bad – we can learn from it.
After finishing my Tes course I was offered a job at my existing school, this has provided me with security in that I know the expectations in the school, while still having the challenge of the teaching position.
If you were telling a friend about Tes, what would you say?
I've discussed Tes with a friend and she is coming to the end of her course. I told her that it's extensive, thorough and enables you to leave the course with a real confidence in your ability to teach. There are no short cuts, there is solid foundation of learning to ensure that we as teachers can provide the very best education and learning experience for the children in our care.
What’s the biggest thing you’d like Tes to help teachers with more?
My experience was first class – I still contact my mentor now and then to let her know how things are going. That would be good – after care if you like for a few months after qualifying.
You/your school gets a million pounds. What do you spend it on?
Expand the school building to include greater nurture and sensory rooms – one for each key stage minimum. Create a computing suite that all classes are able to use. Create rooms within a large library for study and quiet time. Expand the outdoor learning facilities for the older children. Build a sports hall for PE and sporting activities rather than using the food hall...I think I've spent my million!
One piece of advice or top tip you’d give someone just entering teaching today?
Be realistic about where you are and where you want to be – this will take time and support and lots of work! Plan, be prepared, be ahead of schedule so when something goes wrong the children are not affected.
We are all swans swimming gracefully but under the water we are kicking hard!
