Discover things you never knew

Teaching is not a job for everyone. Neither is it an easy option. But making a difference to children’s lives can be the most rewarding of vocations.

As a career choice, teaching suits lots of different people. For some it’s the feeling of making someone feel better about themselves. For others it’s a burning desire to share a passion for a subject. Some treasure the ‘ah ha’ moment when the penny drops in a pupil. Most love the dynamic atmosphere of working with young people.

We all remember a teacher who inspired and encouraged us. That person will have changed our lives in a very positive way. And yet, talk to friends from your school days and they might have identified with a teacher with an altogether different personality.

There is no one type of person who becomes a teacher; whatever you think you can bring to teaching, remember that a great staffroom is a varied and exciting mix of personalities. This reflects the fact that a learner can just as easily respond to the noisy vibrant type as they might to the quieter, more precise teacher.

Many teachers enjoy the fact that no one day is the same. Of course there is a timetable and a set pattern of lessons to follow. But the people in front of you will always challenge you. They will ask questions you’ve never considered. They will certainly never cease to amaze you, and sometimes amuse you. And they’ll make you reappraise your approach to the subject - and to life.

Teaching is not a job for everyone. It’s not an easy option either. It needs energy and resourcefulness. You need to master a subject and master a classroom. There will be days when your class needs TLC, days when it requires geeing up, and other days when it can relax and enjoy learning.

You’ll be fascinated by the individuals and their interactions, and can draw on the vibrancy of youth – discovering things you never knew along the way.