After graduating university (Politics and History), my first taste of education was through the JET (Japanese Exchange of Teachers) Programme. Working on a small island off the coast of Nagasaki, I worked with the local board of education to deliver a language and culture curriculum to 40 elementary and junior high schools. I realised that I wanted to work in education, so to develop my understanding further, I then worked in schools in Shanghai, China as an English teacher. I returned to the UK and joined the Teach First programme in 2011, teaching History in a school in Hull. I am currently head of Humanities and Project Based Learning at School 21, Newham, London.
Introduction: Why get out of bed in the morning?
I do not think there is such thing as a ‘motivated person’ or a ‘lazy person’ - we are just motivated by different things. Motivation is not linear. I was, and remain, motivated by learning. I love reading widely and learning more about the world in which I live. I am really not motivated by team sports, singing or marking books. There are some things that I really want to do (and see value in) but have to be persuaded to do; I want to be good at the piano and I want to run half marathons in a vaguely respectable time. I REALLY want to do these things. I have all of the equipment needed. I have peers who will practice with me and I have access to people who will give me expert feedback and teach me.
A community-driven platform for showcasing the latest innovations and voices in schools
Pioneer House
North Road
Ellesmere Port
CH65 1AD
United Kingdom
