Please can you describe your journey into working in education?
I came into teaching later in life after transitioning from a different career path. My journey started with volunteering at a local primary school before taking on a TA role. I absolutely loved being in the classroom which soon led me to complete my PGCE at the University of Hertfordshire. I then spent 10 years teaching at a two-form entry primary school in Hitchin, where I gained lots of experience teaching across all year groups, taking on leadership responsibilities and mentoring trainee teachers. Looking for a new challenge and to increase my experience teaching and leading in KS1, I moved to a lovely village school in Hertfordshire, where I embraced the challenge of working with mixed year groups in a close-knit community.
What are the key things you love most about your job?
- Every day is different
- The joy of that ‘lightbulb’ moment
- Working with supportive and inspirational colleagues
- Watching children’s confidence and resilience grow
- Being creative in every way – thinking and doing!
- Lesson planning (yes, really!)
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to work in a similar role?
- Understand your motivations: Teaching is rewarding but demanding. Make sure you’re passionate about connecting with pupils and ready for the challenges.
- Gain experience: Volunteer, work as a teaching assistant, or tutor to get a feel for classroom life and decide if teaching is right for you.
- Keep learning: Teaching is a continuous learning experience. You’ll grow and adapt as you go along. Take one day at a time!
- Prioritise self-care: Don’t forget to stop and recharge. Staying balanced is key to sustaining your passion and energy.
- It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times – reach out to your colleagues for advice and support. We’ve all been there!
Do you have any suggestions on how Herts Schools can make their vacancies more attractive to candidates?
- Highlight work-life balance: Perhaps, emphasise having PPA at home, flexibility and show a commitment to staff well-being.
- Showcase professional development: Promote opportunities for growth, training, and career progression within the school.
- Focus on school culture: Highlight the supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment, and emphasize how teachers work together to create a positive impact.
- Feature real voices: Include testimonials from current teachers sharing their experiences and why they love working at the school.