Deputy Head Teacher

What is your current role?

I’m a Deputy Head Teacher of a primary school.

Tell us a little bit about your career journey

I studied Communications and Audio-Visual Production at university. Whilst studying, I started volunteering at a local community radio station in New Cross on the breakfast show from 7am – 9am. At the time, Mistri (DJ, radio presenter and host) had a radio slot and he asked me to be on his station. I produced his shows and after studying a module in radio at university. I realised I loved it and that was what I wanted to do.

After university, alongside working with Mistri, I started working at Universal Music Publishing, in a temping role initially.  This eventually became a permanent role later as an International Copyright Assistant. I ended up working at Universal Music for six years.

After I had my son, I decided I wanted to do something different. The job wasn’t as glamorous as it sounded. It was a bit boring and deep down I had always wanted to be a teacher. So, I gained experience in a school that I lived next door to for two weeks and I loved it. I had positive feedback, so I decided to apply for a teacher training course.

When my son started school I started my NQT year, which is the first year of teaching. I've been in teaching now for 16 years and I've gradually progressed in my career. I've been a Deputy Head Teacher for now almost 8 years. I was an Assistant Head Teacher for a year before becoming a Deputy Head Teacher. Within that time, I've been supporting other schools with English and curriculum development, I had a secondment at another school for a term, I’ve also trained teachers.  Recently I have trained as a coach, and now coach middle leaders to develop their leadership skills.

A few years ago I set up a blog to share what's going on in education and to amplify voices that aren't heard. The intention was always for it to evolve into a podcast so I launched a podcast in 2021.

What's really strange is that I liked the medium of radio and it has come round full circle with the podcast. Everything has had a meaningful purpose in my journey.

What has failure/ disappointment looked like in your career journey – and how did you bounce back?

For me, it's not getting positions that I've applied for. I’ve bounced back by reframing that and looking at failure as redirection. “Maybe I didn't get that one but something else may pop up.” There are always other opportunities out there. Failure is not the end. Often failure is opening towards another opportunity. 

What do you love the most about your job?

⊙ The variety

No two days are the same, and they never will be.

⊙ Engagements with the pupils

I love children and talking with them because they're just so funny. I realised the importance of that as well when I was teaching in the classroom. Once you get to know the children, you can personalise things and make things work for them.  Relationships are the bedrock of learning and growth in all forms to be honest.

⊙ Recognising the positive impact – whether it's instant or longer term.

You might be working with a child on something, and then two years later realise that they took that thing that you said to them, or that piece of work clicked. It’s also nice to see pupils years later after they’ve left school. It’s rewarding when they come back to tell you what they're doing and thank you for aspects of their success. It makes you more conscious of what you're doing and how important it is. Every action and word is worthwhile and carries weight when working with young people.

What do you think are the secrets behind getting to where you are today?

1. Building relationships and connecting with people

I've realised the value of building relationships and connecting with people. You just don't know how a conversation may lead to something. Also, you learn so much from talking with others.

2. Self-motivation

You have to be self-motivated otherwise you're not really going to have the drive to keep going.

3. Taking things in small steps

I try not to look at things as being too big, otherwise they get overwhelming. Instead I break it into little steps. It then seems more achievable with small daily steps.Consistency is key here!

What advice would you give to a young person starting out?

Be yourself always, demonstrate good communication skills, build genuine relationships, always say thank you or show gratitude, ask for support, especially if you’re unsure about something, and above everything, always do your personal best so you're not second guessing yourself and what could have been in the future.

What first steps could a young person take towards a role like yours?

Volunteer – in a school or with young people. School experience is really helpful, particularly for learning about safeguarding and how to conduct yourself around pupils.  You are not their friend; this is a vital lesson for anyone about to embark on working with children/young people.

Take a look at our list of websites to find work experience opportunties