Rachael D.
About me
| Rachael D. | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| English | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 1991 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Secondary School English Teacher | |
| Secondary School in North Yorkshire | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Education | |
| 1997 |
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A day in the life of a Secondary School English Teacher in the United Kingdom
I wanted to travel initially so did a TEFL qualification and got a job teaching EFL in Japan. I then travelled to Australia and taught EFL in Sydney. On returning to England I did a PGCE.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
A large comprehensive school in North Yorkshire
What do you do?
English teacher
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I wanted to travel initially so did a TEFL qualification and got a job teaching EFL in Japan. I then travelled to Australia and taught EFL in Sydney. On returning to England I did a PGCE.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I had ambitions to write and be a journalist but enjoyed the teaching I did abroad and didn't enjoy the brushes with the world of journalism I had!
Describe your most memorable day at work
This changes as years and terms go by-currently it is the Friday when we said goodbye to year 11 as schools closed for lockdown-another reminder of how, despite all the evidence to the contrary some days, schools and teachers are a crucial part of young people's lives.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I volunteered at a local primary school in Fulford which was really interesting-I didn't want to teach at that point but I really enjoyed being in the school. I also volunteered with Nightline-both the training and the work itself were illuminating-empathy for others was so important.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Be flexible. What skills do you have? What do you enjoy doing? Try to imagine what you would like to spend hours of your day doing? What kind of people would you like to spend those hours with? Is money a key factor in your career choice-it really wasn't for me but be honest-if it is important for you!
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Alongside teaching I mentor both ITT students and NQT's so would be happy to answer any questions on the teacher training process.
Next steps...
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