I am writing this blog post so that I can always remember this conversation that I had with a pupil. I want to remember it for two reasons: what this pupil said to me resonated so much with my experiences as a pupil and also left me deeply touched.
The pupil in question is applying to study maths at university with the intention of becoming a maths teacher. We were discussing her UCAS application, teacher training and encouraging positive attitudes towards maths. During this conversation she told me she wanted to come back and work in our school. When I asked her why, she replied with 'I know what difference a good teacher makes and a school like this needs teachers like that'. As a former pupil of the same school, I know exactly what she was talking about. I had an incredible maths teacher and she really sparked my love of maths. My life may have taken a very different direction had it not been for her. Great teachers really make the difference for young people and their life choices.
When I left my school as a pupil I thought my journey at the school was over and I wouldn't ever be back but 6 years later there I was, this time as a teacher. After this conversation and many other like it, I know exactly why I came back...for kids like her. I've taught her for 3 years and during that time she has really blossomed as a mathematician. I know it could have happened with any other teacher but it is a privilege to be a part of that. There is something magical about the kids I work with. I also know lots of other teacher's experience similar relationships with pupils but I think we always think there is something special about our kids...just like parents. All I know for sure is the relationships I form with pupils are 50% of why I love my job. The other 50% is getting to talk about maths all day.
No comments:
Post a Comment