What’s the best thing about teaching?
Working in a job where I laugh, out loud, whole-heartedly, every day. I love getting to know my students and the freedom to be creative within my own workplace.
Why did you decide to enter teaching?
I’m originally from the States. I went to private school in Seattle and a relatively selective college in Southern California. In my first year of college, I was really unhappy with the elitism I experienced there. As well as confronting and unpacking my own privileged education, I read an article called The Disadvantages of an Elite Education by William Deresiewicz. This made me decide that excellent teaching was really important and that students from all backgrounds deserved it. I also had a real passion for English literature, so I decided I’d marry the two.
What’s been your proudest moment in teaching?
My official teaching career is still in its infancy, so I find myself proud pretty often! Just from small moments, as a lot of my job is trial and error. When I can build a students’ confidence or make them feel better on a tough day, those things make me feel proud. Other times, trying out a new teaching strategy that I’ve never used before (this happens often!) and it actually works (!!) also makes me feel pretty proud.
To be honest, the feeling of finishing out my first year of teaching, during a pandemic, and completing a postgraduate diploma all in one year was probably my proudest moment. It reminds me during those tougher days that I am resilient and able to juggle a lot at once.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your teaching career?
I’d say my biggest challenge is turning off my ‘teacher brain’. I can find it hard to separate my work and home life. This is something that I’m still practicing. Making myself active with others really helps with this, but I can’t say that I’ve totally figured it out.
What celebrity best represents you as a teacher in the classroom and why?
A cross between the passion of Emma Watson and the leadership style of Sue Bird (WNBA basketball player).
What do you use Tes for?
I use Tes mostly for finding teaching resources, however I’ve recently started reading Tes Magazine.
I consult Tes’ classroom resources when I’m stuck for inspiration as they’re usually pretty diverse. I find sometimes I get stuck in a rut with approaching topics, so it helps me come up with ideas to keep my students engaged with different approaches.
I’m also in the process of setting up my school’s library, so I’ve been looking for inspiration from other teachers and ideas with Tes Magazine.
What has using Tes helped/enabled/encouraged you to do?
Tes has definitely helped give me ideas to use in the classroom. Having Tes to consult helps me come up with more creative ideas quicker and easier.
If you were telling a friend about Tes, what would you say?
If you are stuck for inspiration, it’s a great resource.
You/your school gets a million pounds. What do you spend it on?
A state-of-the-art dream space/library to facilitate open space lessons and independent research. Maybe also a couple of puppies to support wellbeing.
One piece of advice or top tip you’d give someone just entering teaching today?
Always ask for help when you need it and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’.
