Thinking about my 'why'

We can get so caught up in what we do that we can often forget WHY we are doing what we are doing. I am in my tenth year of teaching and I know that during my registration years, reflecting on my purpose was a reoccurring theme. However since then I have not really spent time on figuring out what my 'why' is and what does my 'why' look like now.

Three questions that have been presented to me, encourage me to really think about my purpose and vision for myself and my students.

WHAT is your 'why'?
I genuinely enjoy seeing others succeed. This is a huge reason why I got into teaching. I felt that I was able to support and facilitate learning in the classroom. I was given an opportunity in my 6th form year at Rutherford College that would totally change my life and the pathway I wanted to pursue. I was asked to tutor the cultural group and at first I was against it, but with the support of my teachers I took the role on. Since then, I have really enjoyed working with young people and seeing them flourish. This is my why.

HOW are you planning to achieve your department goals?
I have the privilege of leading the English Department with my colleague Ms Amber George. We have a shared vision and mutual goal in that we want to see the children succeed in English. Our goal this year is to reduce the percentages of Not Achieved in English (Level 1). As we both have experience with pastoral care, we aim to implement a pastoral element in our approach with this goal. Where we will meet with students who are at risk, have the conversation, contact home and talk to their parents. We believe that student's success is built on the efforts of those around them, so we aim to capitalize on this. As our Level 1 and Level 2 classes are all blocked, where we teach both levels at the same time, we want to give our students the opportunity to choose which teacher they want to work with. We believe that our students know who they are comfortable with and who they feel will support them best. Our department are on board with this and believe that the students will choose which class is best for them.

WHAT impact would you want to have on your students?
The impact I would like to have on my students is to be respectful, to honor what you say you are going to do and commit to it, and finally to be confident in who they are. It is these very things that I have learnt in my teaching career that are really important in not only your time at school but also post secondary school. Regardless if my students pursue tertiary studies or work, being respectful, committed and confident are values that will enrich you in any area of your life.