From Precious
June, 2010
Shaunette Marita Scotland
Teacher
Precious: Tell us about your route to the job.
I took BA(Hons) English Literature, I then became a Careers Assistant at Connexions – Advice and Guidance(CfBT); then then went on to do my PGCE English
Precious: Describe a typical working day.
My day usually starts at around 7:30am. My diary is really important to me,
as I am able to manage my time and tasks effectively. I review the classes
I will be teaching that day, and make sure I have my resources (worksheets,
exercise books and texts) in place. At around 8:10, staff are invited to
Headteacher’s Briefing, where staff announce notices, events and introduce
visitors to the school.
The students arrive at 8: 25 where, as a Form Tutor,
I have the pastoral responsibility for a class of 25 students.
My working day is varied and exciting! I teach English to 11-18 yr olds,
and I really enjoy the interaction with both staff and students. I love
reading, language and discussing issues with students. I put 100% into
every lesson and want to encourage students to do the same and their very
best at school.
The day is extremely busy, with attending to emails, memos, parental requests
and meetings. Typically you have at least a period (an hour) a day to plan,
prepare and assess students’ work.
The school day ends at 2:55pm and students leave, but teachers normally
stay to reflect on their day, call parents and prepare for the next day.
I always feel that it is so amazing what you can fit into 7hours!
Precious: What do you most love about your job?
I have always wanted to teach. As a young child I would round up my toys and
play ‘schools’! I was then given the opportunity to teach at a Supplementary
school on a Saturday, where I taught young children and teenagers. This
confirmed that teaching is my passion. It is an excellent career, with
lots of opportunities, if you are willing to work hard, know your subject
and remember that you are there for the students. I found this quote years
ago: ‘The mediocre teacher tells; the good teacher explains; the superior
teacher demonstrates but the great teacher inspires!’ As teachers, we are
constantly competing with negative ideas in the media; coupled with Information
Technology (Mobiles, MP3 players and Computers). I know that I cannot change
everyone, but I want to positively influence most of my students. I do
this by teaching them how to think critically, introducing them to diverse
writers and decorating my classroom with inspirational people and positive
images!
Precious: Is there anything you really dislike about it?
Lots of paperwork!
Precious: What's been the most exciting event of your career so far?
Teaching is always exciting and fun. I will never forget my first year
of teaching. This period was where I learned the most about myself and was
really open to learning new things. In the same year, I taught English in
a large school in Turin, Italy
Precious: How do you see your career progressing over the next three years?
I want to continue working in London schools and possibly go on to complete courses in my field.
Precious: What do you do to relax?
I play competitive Netball once a week. The regular exercise keeps me fit and helps me to stay focused. I also go to the theatre, travel during our half term holidays and socialise with friends and family. I also read extensively.
Precious: What words of wisdom can you share with other women looking to get into your industry?
Believe in yourself and persevere! Teaching is a rewarding career, with lots of opportunities to learn and grow. You are working with young people, and they just want to know that you care for them. Be prepared to work hard and embrace new experiences and challenges. ‘You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.’ (Maya Angelou
1. How to negotiate a pay rise: tips and advice
2. Effective PR: get out there