#TeachingHero

Our latest #TeachingHero is @Kealan_NQT! Sharing stories and advice is the best way to make sense of our profession. If you'd like to get involved with an interview, get in touch!

What motivates you to work hard?
The children motivate me to work hard. I see a lot of teachers tired and Fed up with the profession and I have to keep reminding myself that I teach for the children. It’s very important to keep a positive mind because we are (as cheesy as it sounds) shaping the children of the future. My success stories I have seen recently is just seeing children in my class gain so much confidence. Coming into year 1 not being able to speak and very scared to seeing them now with so much enthusiasm and positivity!

Where do you go for personal and professional support or advice?
I usually keep all my worries to myself and vent out to my housemates! I also have a friend in school that I can trust if I need to vent! I try and manage my own emotions and frustrations myself because I wouldn’t want the children to know if I was worried. The worst part of the profession is data. I feel like that is so time consuming and it puts a lot of pressure on teachers to keep up. I also feel a lot of pressure is there to keep books looking great. There is nothing worse than another professional telling you you are doing something wrong.

What strategies do you use to manage workload and protect your well being?
I manage workload great! Put the earphones on during PPA time and talk to nobody is my tip...I plan at home on a Tuesday night before I do my resources on a Wednesday for PPA. Then I’m 100% ready for the following week. I also use my TA very well and she marks most of my maths and she’s great at providing feedback and next steps. I mark English after school and leave pretty early to go home! I think it’s important not to stay at school for too long as it can have a real effect on your well being!

What advice would you give anyone who felt like giving up?
DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE....if you feel like the profession is for you then stick with it! It’s not easy but neither is a lot of jobs! You worked so hard to get to this point don’t give up now!! Keep going and block out all negativity. I would advise not to go near the staffroom...I feel negative vibes from that room everyday!

Sum up our profession in 5 words.
An exciting, worthwhile rollercoaster - LOVE