Emily L.
About me
| Emily L. | |
| History | |
| History/Archaeology (Equal) | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Alcuin | |
| 2012 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Secondary Teacher of History and RE | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Education |
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A day in the life of a Secondary Teacher of History and RE in the United Kingdom
History Teacher after degree and PGCE at York
My career goals when I graduated
Successful teaching job in the north of England
My career history
One year teaching in Huddersfield. Currently in my second year teaching in Carlisle.
What has helped my career to progress
Observation of colleagues and as many CPD sessions as my employer will allow, taking initiative and sharing expertise.
Courses taken since graduation
PGCE
How my studies have helped my career
Detailed subject knowledge to support teaching and PGCE supported learning of teaching skills.
What surprised me about my career so far
That it is not possible to master anything. Each day brings something new.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
Head of a successful history department
My advice to students considering work
Be open minded - the job you want may not necessarily be the one you think you want. You may have to compromise in the short term to get your end goal. I didn't particularly want to work in Huddersfield but needed a job. It was very beneficial to me and gave me the experience that I needed so that when the job came up in Carlisle, I was a better teacher.
My advice about working in my industry
I'm not going to lie - it's tough. However, its also worthwhile and you can make a difference but only if you are prepared to work for it.
Contacting me
I'm happy to help with applications - many of my applications were successful in getting an interview (it was the next part that wasn't so great). Any questions about history or, to a lesser extent, archaeology in the classroom.
What I do
I teach history and RE at a secondary school with an attached sixth form.
Skills I use and how I developed them
1. Communication - developed over time through university seminars, clubs, and part time work.
2. Patience - developed with some difficulty
3. Explaining and breaking down information in a variety of ways
What I like most
When a student 'gets' something that they have been struggling with - the 'lightbulb' moment
What I like least
Dealing with a range of diverse needs within the same classroom
What surprised me most
The lack of cultural capital and ambition among students and the opportunity (and necessity) for teachers to cultivate these things.
Next steps...
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