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Teaching as a Vocation

I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. 

Remember, I was the child who believed they could do and be anything in life. This included being a teacher. 

I was the annoying child who absolutely loved school, specifically primary school. I was the definition of a teacher's pet. I was disappointed to miss any school because of illness etc. When I was off sick I’d have to go to school pickup to collect my brother and I’d be there accosting the class teacher so I could say hello. 

I have extremely fond memories of primary school.

Life had other ideas and being a teacher never happened. I managed to coach and teach throughout my career and these were parts of the job I really enjoyed. 

I did seriously think about a career change. So much so I took 1 week off as holiday and spent it in a local primary school. 

While I absolutely loved my time in school and I knew it was something I wanted to do, the idea of taking that final leap and not having a job or a salary for a year was scary. I decided to stay in my current job.

Then, for various reasons I decided to take an extended career break to care for my eldest and then my middle child. During which time we relocated our family up north. 

As soon as my eldest started school, I was able to volunteer in school and this reignited my desire to teach. 

I applied and gained a place on a primary PGCE course to start September 2020. This coincided with my middle child starting school so it all felt like a solid plan. 

Life had other plans...

I found out I was pregnant with my youngest and the due date was 28th September 2020. 

It just wasn’t going to happen! 

There was no way to defer so I had to withdraw my application. In the end though, what with COVID, it was most likely for the best.

So here I am again, maybe this time, everything will align to make this happen. 

For me teaching isn’t a job, it’s a vocation, it’s a calling. 

I completely get everything that’s involved, the good, the bad and the ugly. I get to see it as a parent, a school volunteer and as a school governor. There’s so much that’s not ideal but at the heart of it, are the children. 

School provides some children with the only safe and caring environment they experience. Teachers act as significant role models and can help shape how a child sees themselves and their place in the world. 

Primary teaching is the foundation to life long learning. We don’t give teachers enough credit. 

They say it takes a village to raise kids and all too often we forget the nursery practitioners and teachers who spend a significant amount of time with our little ones. 

It's where I know I can make a difference and that fills me with much joy.

Applications for 25/26 open in October. 

So wish me luck! Hopefully the stars align this time and I'll finally to able to pursue my vocation. 

*Featured image was created using Microsoft CoPilot Designer powered by DALL-E 3

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Location: United Kingdom

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