Every day, teachers across our academies inspire, support and guide the next generation.
Teacher and Maths Coordinator Laura Hopkin reflects on her career at Edna G. Olds Academy, the variety of her role and why the people she works alongside have been such an important part of her journey.
I have worked at Edna G. Olds Academy for over 15 years, much of that time within L.E.A.D. Academy Trust. I currently work part time, providing planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) cover across Key Stage 2.
I became Maths Coordinator during my first few years at the academy and have continued in that role ever since. More recently, I have also taken on responsibility for Assessment and Art. Throughout my time at Edna G. Olds, I have mentored and supported many students who have gone on to become teachers and headteachers.
I first came to Edna G. Olds Academy when I moved back to my home town of Nottingham in January 2010. I had spent the first five years of my teaching career in Stevenage, followed by a year teaching in Auckland, New Zealand.
I initially took a supply role at Edna G. Olds and really enjoyed working with the children and staff. That role eventually became full time and permanent.
What has kept me here is the people. Edna G. Olds feels like a family to me. Colleagues supported me when my father was ill and after he sadly passed away, and they have shared in happier times too, including the births of my two children. We are a team that looks out for one another, and that means a great deal to me.
A typical day involves teaching, supporting pupils and finding time for the curriculum areas I lead. I work from Wednesday to Friday and usually arrive early to prepare for the day.
I tend to teach Year 4 on Wednesdays and Year 5 on Thursdays, so I work with different pupils and adapt my teaching across the week. Fridays are usually a mix of cover, my own PPA time and work on Maths, Assessment and Art. After the academy day, I may have meetings or run a booster group.
There is plenty of variety throughout the week, which is one of the things I enjoy about my role.
The variety is what I enjoy most. I love teaching across Key Stage 2, but I also value the opportunity to support staff and pupils through my coordinator roles.
Maths is a particular passion of mine. I enjoy sharing that with colleagues and working with pupils, including through the greater depth SATs booster group I have run for the past few years. It gives me another way to support children with their learning alongside the work I do in the classroom.
Working within L.E.A.D. Academy Trust has given me the support to take on new challenges. Over the years, I have been able to lead several curriculum areas while continuing to teach, and mentoring students has taught me a great deal about my own practice and how to support others.
I have also felt included and valued as a part-time member of staff. Being supported in that way helps me give my best to the pupils and colleagues I work with while also being there for my family.
If someone was thinking about applying to L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, I would encourage them to go for it. I originally came to Edna G. Olds Academy for a supply role and, more than 15 years later, I am still here.
I have been able to develop my career, take on responsibilities that interest me and work with people who have supported me through different stages of my life.
For me, that sense of teamwork matters just as much as the opportunities to grow. It is a place where I have been able to build a career and feel part of something.
