A couple of extraordinary events. But where did it come from?

One of the exciting parts of the new role is getting to work with more teachers in the early stages of their career. That, plus a couple of extraordinary emails / conversations lately has made me stop and reflect over the last nine years of my own teaching career. There are two points that stand out:

I gave my notice in by October half term during my NQT year. I planned to go back into outdoor instruction and though a few unplanned events, ended up completing my NQT year and getting another on in the July. It’s a bit of a fluke that I’m still in teaching really.
When I moved to Priory School after 4 years of teaching that I loved, I experienced the worst six months of my professional / working life. The reasons are documented well on this blog. (I should add that I went looking for the challenge though )

I’m still a teacher. I love going to work. The reasons why? No idea really, but probably something to do with finding awesome colleagues both within school and the wider profession though networks such as SLN Geography, the Geographical Association, Twitter, the Geography Collective and Partners in Learning. It also got something to do with my stubborn, independent attitude which, when combined with a pinch of not worrying too much about what other people think of me (or what I look like), has got me through.

The point of this post? I guess it’s not to give up. To be resilient, find support and speak to people. It really is the best job/profession.

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David Rogers

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