It’s now the end of the summer holidays and the new school year is just about to begin. Many friends have commented about how the “Back to School” signs in the shops have made them reminisce about the excitement of buying a new pencil case from WH Smith and the dread of going to buy new black leather school shoes (patent T-bars from Clarks, no doubt) but I’ve had a different feeling to them all. Yes, I’m disappointed the holidays have come to an end – but I am so excited!
I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was about seven years old because I thought it would be a good way to get lots of presents. (Parents of primary school children are so lovely!) But as I progressed through my education, I realised just how much of a positive impact teachers can have on people – and I wanted to make that impact. I consciously started to edge my path towards teaching when I was about 17 and deciding on university courses. So, after six years in the making, I finally am a real teacher. I got my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) certificate from the General Teaching Council (GTC) last week and I was literally jumping for joy!
I went into school at the end of last week to start preparing my lab. I have a new-found respect for teachers – I didn’t realise how difficult it is to put backing paper up onto display boards! And it’s filthy – I’ll clean before our INSET sessions at the end of the week.
But the pupils start in earnest next Tuesday and yes, I’m as nervous as hell. I feel like I’ve forgotten everything I ever learnt on my PGCE, but I’m sure I’m not the first NQT to feel that was, and I certainly won’t be the last. But I’m so excited – I finally get to make that impact on someone’s life…
