After university, I travelled around the world, recruiting
international students for different universities. But after
six years, I wanted to settle in one place and I realised that
the best part of my job was the interaction with young
people, so I decided to train as a teacher.
The best moments in teaching are when you almost see
a switch go on in a student’s head. They forget all about
trying to look cool and just want to find out more.
As I teach languages, the students seem to find it quite
confusing that I’m from England. One day, we were talking
about something in class and I said, “Back home...” A girl
I’ve taught for three years asked if I was talking about
back home in France. I’m from the Lake District.
This job is about so much more than just the subjects
you teach, though. Hopefully, I’m developing inquisitive,
open-minded, tolerant young people along the way.
You know how when you ask someone what their day
was like, they often say, “Fine’’? As a teacher, you never just
say, “Today was fine’.” There’s always something amazing
that’s happened, or a challenging behavioural situation, or
a kid has said something really funny. Every day’s different.Claire Rowlinson
FRENCH AND MANDARIN TEACHER
I worked in PR after leaving university, but I tutored
a bit as well. I wanted a job with a real purpose,
so I applied for teacher training. The first time
I taught in a classroom, I realised, “This is where I fit.”
When I was at primary school, I was in the bottom
set for maths and it broke me, because I really love the
subject. It was never something that came naturally
to me and I think that’s why I love teaching it now.
The best bit of the job is the children. They have no
filter. You could be teaching a lesson about algebra and
a child will put up their hand and say, “Miss, it’s my
auntie’s birthday,” and that will be it. They’re so funny.
You can really make a difference in teaching. We’re
bringing up the next generation – people who could
potentially find the cure for cancer or run the
country. They need good role models. If you’re
going to work hard at something, why not choose
something that could change a child’s life?◆Gabrielle Alexander
HEAD OF MATHS AND YEAR 6
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Claire Rowlinson
Gabrielle Alexander