Celebrating National Teachers’ Day – An Interview with a Teacher – Part 2!

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Welcome to the second instalment of our “Interview with a Teacher” series, a special feature celebrating National Teachers’ Day. We are delighted to engage with another inspiring teacher who shares their unique journey, impactful moments, and valuable insights from the world of teaching. Let’s dive into our next enlightening conversation. 

  1. What inspired you to become a teacher, and how did you start your teaching career?  

I became a teacher after many years of volunteering in a local youth centre to gain experience in working with young people. I completed my PGCE at the University of Chichester 

  1. Can you share a memorable or impactful teaching moment from your career? 

I believe that in teaching, impactful moments occur frequently but for me I always loved doing parents evenings, it’s especially meaningful when students go home and discuss our lessons with their parents over dinner.  

  1. What do you find most rewarding about being a teacher?  

One year at the end of their GCSEs, one class clubbed together and bought me a pair of shoes from my favourite brand; it was such a lovely sentiment, but the most rewarding thing is seeing your students engaged in the lesson and enjoying what they are learning and the challenges they have been set.  

  1. What challenges do you face in the classroom, and how do you overcome them? 

One of the significant challenges in recent years is the increasing reliance of students on technology, how easy it is for them to ‘google’ something rather than having the resilience to work things out for themselves, I encourage my students to have a growth mindset in the classroom.  

  1. How has education and teaching evolved over the years, and what changes do you see in the future?  

I think teaching has changed in so many ways since I first qualified, teachers and schools have so many roles in the community, so I’d like to see more schools and communities groups working together to support everyone.  

  1. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a teacher?  

I think the best piece of advice for new teachers is to really spend time building relationships with your students, show them you genuinely care about them, and they will respect that.  

  1. How do you maintain your passion and enthusiasm for teaching year after year? 

I really love the start of a new school year, it’s a time to start afresh, meet new students and start a new learning journey together.  

  1. How do you balance your personal life with the demands of teaching, especially during challenging times? 

‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’ is my favourite saying. As a teacher we must look after our physical and mental well-being to be a great teacher.  

  1. What resources or support do you believe teachers need more of to improve education? 

I think all schools need better funding, more money per student, and smaller class sizes. 

  1. In your opinion, what makes a great teacher? 

I think that all teachers are different and unique in their delivery styles, but I think a great teacher really cares about their students. I always say to my students it doesn’t matter what grades you get in tests/exams but if they can promise they tried their very hardest then that’s all that matters in the end. All of us in a school, the teachers, students and support staff are all just trying our best for each other.   

Missed the last interview? Click here to catch up!  

Inspired by Lian and looking for a teaching role? Get in touch today.  

🍎📚 #NationalTeachersDay #EducationHeroes  

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