Education

Claire
BEd (Hons) Education (1996)

During my course I gained work experience by doing voluntary school support and also by working as a teaching assistant after my graduation. My first job was in a primary school in Northamptonshire, where I was for 3 years. It is essential to have a teaching degree to be a teacher, as well as an up to date CRB check. In 1999, I decided to move back to the south coast and applied for a job in a primary school where I worked for another 1 year and 2 terms. At both schools I held the post of maths co-ordinator, as well as dabbling in IT and PE in my first school.

After having seen the job advertised several times in the East Sussex teaching vacancies bulletin I decided I needed a change! During spring 2001 I was successful in getting a job as a Teaching and Learning Consultant for East Sussex School Improvement Service in Eastbourne. My role is consultancy support to schools that need to raise standards - particularly in maths. I also run courses for teachers and teaching assistants to share recent developments and improve subject knowledge.

I really enjoy my job and in particular the fact that I see people’s skills develop as well as their enjoyment of teaching. Sadly I only have the opportunity to teach children occasionally but on the plus side I’ve met many people with whom I originally trained.

I work part-time at the moment because I have an 18 month year old. This requires military procedures to be out of the house 3 mornings a week by 7:30am! I think my next challenge will be deciding whether to go back to work in a school environment or whether to continue with consultancy.