Why I’m excited about teaching this year (and why you should be too)
We asked teachers what they're eagerly anticipating this September, and here's what they said…
Nice and tidy
I sometimes wonder if I became a teacher so that September could still be about new stationery! I love the start of a new year when everything’s tidy and the corners of exercise books haven’t become dog-eared.
Laura Baxter, phase and curriculum leader
@lteacher123
Contagious passion
Deciding on a lifelong career is, obviously, a tricky decision. While at sixth form I’ve undertaken weekly voluntary work experience in a primary school and this has cemented my decision to become a teacher.
I’ve had the opportunity to mark books, independently lead one-to-one and group interventions, attend staff training in relation to dyslexia and behaviour management, attend school trips and support at after-school clubs.
Over 200 hours of work experience, working from Y2-6 at two very different primary schools, equipped me well for university interviews and I’m planning to study primary education at Durham University this year.
I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers, and hope I can build relationships with pupils as strong as those I’ve witnessed between these educators and their students.
Despite SATs debates, increasing workloads and budget cuts, the teachers I’ve worked alongside have shone with optimism and passion, and that’s truly contagious.
Alex Nightingale, first year university student
Taking back control
My goals this year are to help liberate the teachers in my trust from pointless accountability exercises which are far too focused on ‘schooling’, and instead ensure through character, enrichment and role modelling that we provide a truly rich education to the children and communities we serve.
I want to focus on the values and morality which will help children to understand themselves, others and the world a little better – rather than seeing them as mini economic agents that must be productive rather than soulful.
They are not mutually exclusive traits at all, but we must help teachers and pupils take control of their own destiny.
Dan Morrow, CEO of Woodland Academy Trust
@moremorrow
Positive impact
I’m changing roles within my school this year, from doing PPA cover to a job share in a Y5 class. My only goal is to make a positive impact on the children I work with. I’m not too fussed whether that’s by helping them to reach their academic potential, giving them a fun, safe and happy environment, being a positive role model or introducing them to great books.
If I can do these things, with a smile on my face, while finding a balance with my writing career and family, then I’ll have had a successful year!
Mark Lowery, children’s author and Y5 teacher
@hellomarklowery
Perfect role
September marks the beginning of my final year of teacher training. I’m excited to be able to take greater ownership of my practice and teach more independently.
I will also be applying for my first teaching post this year and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to find the perfect NQT role and my very own classroom, ready for September 2019!
Philip McCahill, trainee primary teacher, Birmingham City University
@philipmccahill
Itchy feet
The start of a new school year always feels like a chance to set new goals and try new things. I love the excitement of September and all the change that comes with it.
I’m one of those teachers that gets itchy feet – I like to try new things and love the chance to shake up my planning and curriculum.
This year I move into Y1, a year group I haven’t been in for quite some time. I’m excited about bringing my Early Years practice into action and really embedding learning through play.
Although there’s lots of work to do, it’s given me a focus and a clear target for the year ahead, both for and my staff and the children.
Charlotte Willoughby, assistant head
Joined-up thinking
Leading a school means September can bring anxieties. This year I’m hoping the uncertainties for teacher assessment at KS2 will have been laid to rest.
Indeed, I’m optimistic that we’ll actually know what we’re looking for, as we have, for once, been told things in advance.
I’m looking forward to some joined-up thinking from Ofsted – we’re due our inspection and hearing about inspectors looking at a wider picture of governance, workload and curriculum has left me optimistic.
As a small school, funding is always an issue – and I’m afraid the new funding formula is not proving to be the saviour we hoped for. However, we are a fantastic team and while September always bring challenges, we are as prepared as we can be!
Rebecca Stacey, headteacher
@bekblayton
Arts at the heart
I’ll be leading at my school as we pack even more musicianship into our timetable as we aim for Artsmark Platinum status. We have lots of exciting visiting musicians and educators booked in for assemblies too.
Personally, I’ll be a very busy man, travelling the country to talk at conferences and seminars, supporting schools looking to set up similar programmes, and helping with burgeoning Kodály-inspired activities in AET Academy primaries.
I’ll also continue to lobby and advocate for systematic change which puts music and the arts at the centre of the primary environment.
Jimmy Rotheram, music teacher
@musicedu4all
Here’s what you’re looking forward to…
@philippaleah
I’m moving to a new school after 10.5 years for a new role and will be teaching Y6 for the first time since the new national curriculum. It will be challenging but I’m excited to try something new!
@zigzagandemily
I’ve spent years teaching a mixed aged Reception/Y1/Y2 class in a small village school. A larger intake this year means I get to teach Reception/Y1 only – bliss!
@danib1991
I’m just starting my teacher training and am very excited to be learning the life of a teacher and teaching a variety of classes.
@dolan_dolly
For me, September brings a new job (deputy), new school and new challenges. My aim is to achieve balance with teaching, being deputy and life – I’m excited!
@3edmigos
I love the excitement of a whole new set of topics, trips and memories.
@teachingyear6
I’m most excited about having a new, challenging class, after having my previous one for two years.
Tell us what you’re most looking forward to in school this year on Twitter at @teachprimary and on Facebook at @Teachwire.
