Aberdeen primary headteacher Jenny Watson - who in a previous head role helped lead a school to a Tes Creative School of the Year award - shares her expertise and inspiration from a career in teaching. Now working at the city’s Dyce Primary, she reveals what “transformed” her school and recalls a “humbling” phone call from a parent that she will never forget.

1. What I wish I’d known when I started teaching

When I meet with new teachers or student teachers, I always tell them that if you love the job, it can offer you the most fantastic career. I have had so many different experiences and opportunities that I never expected when I first began teaching. You just need a little courage to say “yes” to new opportunities. I still love my job and feel passionate about what I do.

2. The most important qualities a school leader or teacher needs are...

To be positive. I strive to be the “cheerleader” of the school: the one who encourages, praises, allows risks to be taken and failures to be seen as challenges that allow for growth and development.

3. The most important lessons I’ve learned from doing this job are...

That I can only do my best and can’t fix everything myself. I have learned the importance of working as a team and using the expertise of others, of knowing that it is better to look for long-term solutions with a team than trying a “quick fix” myself.

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4. The best change I ever made in my school was...

To empower the team. To build the confidence and trust of everyone connected to the school to believe in themselves and take the lead. To me, there is no bigger compliment than when someone takes an idea or suggestion, tries it out, owns it and develops it. A good example is our outdoor expeditions at our school. Staff, pupils and partners have absolutely taken ownership of these and each week the expeditions become bolder and more ambitious - it’s transformed our curriculum.

5. If I could change something about Scottish education it would be...

That the curriculum be the key driver in our schools. I truly believe that if we can offer an engaging, motivating curriculum, it not only raises attainment and achievement but also tackles inclusion in such a positive way.

6. My most memorable moment as a teacher was...

In one school, we worked with a local radio station, SHMU [Station House Media Unit]. Groups of children designed, created and broadcast their own live radio shows, and they were always given a CD of the show to keep.

One of the boys involved found school challenging and struggled to engage in his learning. I phoned his mum after the show to say how well he had done and how proud we were of him. His mum started to cry and said it was the first time she had ever received praise about her son. She also shared that he had listened to the radio show in his bedroom over and over again.

It was a very humbling phone call and one I have never forgotten. It was also the start of the mum regaining her own confidence and engaging in adult learning - and that led to successful employment for her.

7. The worst mistake I ever made was...

As a young teacher, I taught in Brunei in a local school for two years. I went out thinking I could make bring our Scottish innovation and creativity to their curriculum. I soon found out that it was myself who had the learning to do - how to fit in, respect a different culture and adapt to their ways. It was a lesson well learnt and has stood me in good stead throughout my teaching career.

8. My top tip for aspiring school leaders and teachers is...

Keep things simple and focus on one key development at a time.

9. When dealing with challenging pupils my go-to strategy is...

To listen and wait for the right time to have restorative conversations - sometimes it might need to wait until the next day. And to constantly look for positives to share with both the pupil and the family, as this allows trust to be built and relationships to be strengthened. If you can get those early positive phone calls or messages home, it makes the more challenging conversations so much easier.

10. The best CPD I ever did was...

Columba 1400 for school leaders on the Isle of Skye for five days. It was such a powerful course that allowed time for self-reflection in a very supportive environment. I learned so much about myself and came back feeling refreshed and full of confidence. I still keep in contact with the friends I made.