Power of a Great Teacher - Oliver
Teachers can be life changing role models for students and we want to celebrate their journey's and successes to demonstrate that teaching is such a rewarding career and one that is incredibly rewarding too!
Oliver is a teacher at our Chilworth House Upper School.
What/who inspired you to become a teacher?
My experiences in schools inspired me to become a teacher. Both my own experiences at school, which were mostly negative and my experiences at CHUS which have been mostly positive. I worked in the pastoral team as a pastoral assistant and then a deputy pastoral manager and loved it, but I felt I wanted to be involved in the classroom more and more. I was then encouraged to trial teaching and that led to me becoming an unqualified teacher and completing my QTS programme in June. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many great colleagues over the years that have all inspired me to keep progressing.
How was your first day as a teacher?
Weird, unusual, exciting and fulfilling.
What made you choose to focus on teaching at a SEN school rather than a mainstream?
I already worked at CHUS so naturally began teaching at an SEN school. I really enjoyed my 6 week placement at another school in January, but the larger classes and school in general meant less relationship building which I missed and enjoyed at CHUS.
From your teaching experience so far, what advice would you give to someone thinking of also becoming a teacher?
Remember not to think everything is your fault, you are still learning and planning is key.
What is one Huge Small Victory you’ve had during your time at Chilworth House Upper School?
Supporting a colleague of mine to re-establish PE within the school after a few years of poor attendance and application. Also completing my QTS with inspiration from my colleague who achieved it the year before.
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