Good News Stories – Craig

My journey into teaching is a story of career change, personal growth, and finding balance between professional and family life. Transitioning into teaching was a deliberate decision to align my skills, knowledge, and passions with a career that allowed me to make a meaningful impact on young people. Coming from a background in coaching, scouting, and performance analysis in football, I recognised that my strengths were well-suited to working in a secondary school environment.

During my training year with the Arthur Terry SCITT (ATTP), I faced the additional challenge—and joy—of starting a young family. This period demanded dedication, resilience, and effective time management, but it also reinforced my belief that teaching was the right career for me. The training I received was exceptional, equipping me with the tools and confidence to succeed in the classroom from day one. It also allowed me to balance my passion for education with quality time for my growing family.

Since completing my training, my career has progressed quickly. My training year prepared me to excel as an Early Career Teacher, and by my ECT2 year, I had gained the skills, confidence, and experience to take on additional responsibilities. In September 2024, I was offered the position of Head of Year in a thriving school—an opportunity that was both a testament to my hard work and a reflection of the support and foundation provided during my training journey.

This story highlights not only the transformative power of teacher training but also the possibilities for career changers to bring their unique experiences into education. It’s a journey that showcases the rewards of teaching—helping pupils succeed while achieving a fulfilling work-life balance. Teaching has allowed me to combine my love for working with young people with the ability to grow professionally and personally alongside my family.

With a background in coaching, scouting, and performance analysis in football, my career has been shaped by two key passions: a love for sport and a dedication to working with young people. Transitioning into teaching physical education was a natural progression, and since making that decision, I haven’t looked back.

In 2021, I took a significant step by enrolling in the Arthur Terry SCITT program. Prior to this, I had completed a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science (Performance Analysis). The SCITT course exceeded my expectations, providing exceptional training in all aspects of teaching—from pedagogy to behaviour management.

My first teaching role was in a school with a challenging behavioural context. This experience was invaluable, allowing me to find my footing quickly and make a meaningful impact on the school and its pupils. I later transitioned to a position closer to home in a high-achieving school. Working in these contrasting environments deepened my understanding of education and gave me immense job satisfaction and professional growth in both settings.

In September 2023, I joined my current school as an ECT2. Shortly after, an opportunity arose for a Head of Year position. While I had confidence in my abilities, I initially hesitated, feeling that my experience might not yet measure up. Nevertheless, I applied, viewing it as a chance to gain interview and application experience. To my delight, I was offered the role and began my tenure as Head of Year alongside teaching physical education in September 2024.

This journey has been both rewarding and enriching, and I am excited to continue making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

Working with young people is both a privilege and a profound responsibility, and it has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. The opportunity to inspire and shape the next generation is a truly unique position to hold. There is no greater feeling than seeing the impact of your work come to life—whether it’s through a pupil overcoming challenges or achieving their goals.

One of the most fulfilling experiences has been supporting pupils who need additional help and watching them grow in confidence and ability. Whether it’s guiding a pupil through a difficult time or helping them find a passion for physical education, seeing their development is incredibly gratifying. Similarly, witnessing students’ reactions when they surpass their own expectations in their GCSEs or A-levels is a moment of pure joy, not just for them but for me as an educator.

Joining the teaching profession has also been a personal journey of growth and learning. From my initial training on the Arthur Terry SCITT program, where I gained invaluable skills in pedagogy and behavior management, to stepping into roles of increasing responsibility, every stage has reinforced my passion for teaching. Working in contrasting schools—a behaviourally challenging environment and a high-achieving institution—has broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to adapt and connect with pupils from diverse backgrounds.

These experiences have not only shaped me as a teacher but also reaffirmed why teaching is such a rewarding career. It’s about more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and helping them realize their potential.

My journey into teaching has been transformative, equipping me with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience that have shaped me into the educator I am today. While understanding the theory behind teaching is essential, the real learning begins when applying it in the classroom. By reflecting on the “why” behind my actions and ensuring that every decision in my lessons is meaningful for my pupils, I have developed a deeper understanding of pedagogy and its impact.

This reflective and intentional approach has allowed me to build a strong foundation in my teaching practice. My passion for continuous improvement and striving to be the best I can be has not only benefited my pupils but also opened doors for professional growth. Being able to confidently articulate my teaching methods, supported by both experience and educational theory, has set me apart. When you speak passionately and knowledgeably about why you do what you do, people take notice.

This was particularly evident when I joined my current school as an ECT2 in 2023. Within a year, an opportunity arose to apply for a Head of Year role. While I initially doubted my readiness due to limited experience, my demonstrated commitment to my craft, along with my ability to connect theory with practice, positioned me as a strong candidate. I was honored to be offered the position, beginning this new role in September 2024.

Through my journey, I have also had the privilege of working in two contrasting schools—a behaviorally challenging environment and an excelling institution. These experiences provided me with a broad perspective on education and the adaptability to thrive in diverse settings. They also enhanced my ability to address challenges confidently and build strong relationships with pupils and colleagues alike.

Ultimately, my journey has taught me the importance of passion, reflection, and perseverance. These qualities have not only enriched my teaching but have also created opportunities to grow professionally and take on leadership responsibilities earlier in my career than I ever anticipated.

Embarking on a career in teaching is an incredibly rewarding journey, but it requires dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to continually grow. If you’re hoping to follow a similar path, here are some key pieces of advice based on my own experiences:

1. Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities:
   Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, especially during your training year. The classroom is a dynamic environment, and every experience—whether successful or not—offers valuable lessons. Be fearless in trying new techniques and approaches. Some will work brilliantly, others may not, but each will bring you closer to understanding what works best for you and your pupils.
2. Be Reflective and Flexible:
   Reflect on your practice constantly. One strategy may resonate with one group of pupils and fall flat with another. Recognizing these differences and adjusting your approach is key to growth and success as a teacher.
3. Learn from Others:
   Use your free periods to observe as many lessons as you can, across different subjects and year groups. Watching experienced teachers in action will provide insights into diverse teaching styles, classroom management techniques, and methods for engaging students. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice—teaching is a collaborative profession, and there’s always someone willing to help.
4. Reach Out for Support:
   Teaching can be challenging at times, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you encounter difficulties, whether with a particular pupil, lesson planning, or classroom management, reach out for support. From mentors to colleagues, there’s a wealth of experience around you to draw from.
5. Commit to Lifelong Learning:
   One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is that you never stop learning. Every class, every pupil, and every school brings new experiences. By remaining open to learning from others and incorporating new ideas into your practice, you’ll continue to evolve as an educator.

Reflecting on my own journey—from coaching, scouting, and performance analysis in football to completing my training through the Arthur Terry SCITT program and stepping into teaching roles—I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Experiencing contrasting school environments, both challenging and high-achieving, has significantly shaped my approach to teaching and broadened my understanding of how to meet diverse pupil needs.

Teaching is not just a job; it’s a vocation that allows you to inspire, guide, and support young people in reaching their potential. If you are passionate about making a difference, stay committed to your journey, and be open to the incredible opportunities it brings.