Teaching, for me, is all about what I call the “whoa
moments”. The other day, I was teaching a class about
the Battle of Hastings in 1066. At the end of the
lesson, I said to them that it was so significant because
no one has conquered England since, and they all
just went, “Whoa!” Those moments are so rewarding.
I went straight from completing my history
degree into teaching training. I had volunteered as
a teaching assistant while I was at university and I’d
always really enjoyed it.
I’m especially committed to ensuring my students
receive a diverse education. I teach them about
feminism. Women can be invisible in textbooks, so
it’s important to me that the students know about
the women who were at the forefront of history.
Rob Lowe’s character in The West Wing, Sam
Seaborn, gave this amazing speech about the
importance of teachers. He said: “Education is the
silver bullet. Education is everything.” I think education
can change the world. It’s cheesy but true. That’s why
we need really brilliant people in the profession.Shalina Patel
HISTORY TEACHER
I always thought I’d work in fashion, and I got a job as
a bridal coordinator for Oscar de la Renta after university.
But shortly after I started, I went on a trip to Uganda
with my old school – it was working with a charity
there for orphaned children. One day, I was asked if
I wanted to teach the children the alphabet. It was scary,
but I’d never felt anything like it before. When I got
home, I decided to apply for teacher training – and
I’ve never looked back.
I now teach at the same secondary school I went to
myself. In a multicultural school, it’s nice for the students
to see someone from a similar background. The minute
they can relate to a teacher, something in them switches on.
The students can be very funny. Some of my Year 7s
actually think I live in the school. I bumped into some
of them in London’s Westfield shopping centre once and
they were so shocked to see me in the outside world.
If you’re interested in teaching, I suggest getting some
work experience: visit schools, observe lessons, speak to
teachers. For me, it’s just the best job. When you teach a
child something and they get it – that still blows my mind.Nassima Iggoute
SPANISH AND FRENCH TEACHER
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Shalina PatelNassima IggouteEDITED BY ALISON LYNCH. PHOTOGRAPHS IAN HARRISON. ART DIRECTION MAIREAD GLEESON