Age: 23 I’ve just received a love letter from three pupils. They gave it to me on the last day of my placement and, although it was a bit embarrassing, it cheered me up. Definitely a boost for the ego!
I want to become a teacher because you get loads of holidays and the pay is quite good. You’re not tied down, there’s a lot of interaction with dozens of different people, and you can be as creative as you want.
The most exciting thing that’s happened to me so far is meeting loads of new people on teaching placement and building a relationship with them. I stuck out like a sore thumb at first, but I soon got to know everyone.
But I’m really not looking forward to disciplining pupils.
I don’t understand why teachers get such a bad press.
I hope I’ll be the kind of teacher pupils will come and talk to, even if they’re not in my class. I want to get involved in extra-curricular activities and not be seen as just a geography teacher.
The Scottish education system was quite horrible in the past and hasn’t been very consistent. But it’s undergoing changes and let’s just say it’s trying its hardest.
Martyn Cowie is taking a PGDE in geography at Aberdeen University
