I have been a class teacher at Charnock Hall Primary Academy (CHPA) for the past six years, having started my journey here as an NQT. I am currently teaching in Year 4, a year group I have taught on three previous occasions, alongside experience in Year 5.
In addition to my teaching role, I am the PSHE Lead. In this capacity, I am passionate about supporting pupils’ personal development — helping them understand and respect their identities, empowering them to find and use their voice, and equipping them with the skills they need for both life and learning.
I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. As a child, we often visited family in the Lake District and one of my relatives was a primary school teacher. I was fascinated by her stories and loved asking her questions about what she taught, her passion and experiences truly inspired me.
From that point on, I was determined to work hard in school, knowing exactly what I needed to achieve to go to university and pursue my dream. While studying for my A- levels, I initially found the path challenging. After my first-year exams, it became clear that I hadn’t met the requirements to continue on that route. With the support of my teachers, whose guidance only deepened my desire to join the profession, I made the decision to change courses.
It meant taking an extra year, but I was determined. I embraced the challenge, stayed focused, and ultimately achieved what I set out to do: become a teacher.
Teaching is an incredibly fulfilling career. No two days are ever the same, and each one brings new learning, not just for the pupils, but for me as well. I genuinely enjoy listening to pupils’ stories, celebrating their achievements, and witnessing those “lightbulb” moments when something finally clicks. It’s in those moments that the impact of teaching feels most powerful.
What makes teaching at CHPA especially rewarding is the emphasis on making learning fun and engaging. Every lesson is an opportunity to spark curiosity and creativity. We make full use of technology to enhance learning, pushing boundaries and opening up new possibilities. Whether it’s writing to our local MP, taking part in career-related workshops, or connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, our goal is to inspire pupils, just as I was inspired during my own time in primary school.
The dynamic learning environment at CHPA allows us to be flexible, active, and responsive to the needs of our pupils. Lessons are meaningful, interactive, and designed to help every child thrive. I feel incredibly proud to be part of a school where both pupils and teachers grow together.
Every day, my goal is for at least one pupil to leave the classroom having learned something new, overcome a challenge, or discovered a new way of thinking. I hope that my pupils go home smiling, excited to share what they’ve learned, and feeling proud of their progress.
I aspire to have the same lasting impact on a child that my family member once had on me: to inspire them to work hard, persevere through challenges, and believe in themselves. I want them to understand that making mistakes is a natural part of learning, and that each mistake is an opportunity for growth. Most of all, I want them to know that laughter and joy have a place in learning too, because sometimes, a smile or shared laugh is just what we need to lift each other up.
If you’re thinking about becoming a primary school teacher, my advice to you is to remember to be yourself. Your personality is powerful within a classroom.
Teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its challenges. It’s important to reflect on why you want to teach, as your motivation will keep you going through the tough days. Remember that mistakes are part of the journey, you don’t need to be perfect, just open to learning and growing. Above all, focus on building positive relationships with pupils and colleagues, and never underestimate the impact you can have. Teaching is a career filled with purpose, where every day offers a chance to make a real difference.
