When my last headteacher asked me why I had decided to decline the invitation to reapply for my job in 2022, I respectfully told her,
“I have some fight left, but not for this.”
I was on a temporary contract and, because of budget restrictions, three of the teachers (we had been appointed on the same day) were required to reapply and compete against each other for two teaching positions. My two bright, competent, young colleagues were in their first year of teaching; I started out as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 1992.
After much soul-searching, I had come to the conclusion that it was time for me to stop teaching in schools. I left at the end of the 2022 summer term…
Part of me wishes I could continue with the words:
“…and I never looked back!”
However, the reality is these last three years – in spite of my best efforts – have not been a glistening story of success. I only ever wanted to be a teacher (apart from a brief moment – recorded in paint – when I dreamed of becoming a ballerina), but I haven’t set foot in a school since July 2022.
My love for children is as strong as ever and I continue to sorely miss being in their company.
… which is why I keep pushing every door I can find to reach out to children, families and communities. Although many of those doors remain closed to me, I’m still searching for ways to open up opportunities for Shared Reading across generations. I am determined to do what I can to:
Take off anxiety,
Take off stress,
Take off pressure,
Relax into reading,
Bond through books.
That’s what I’m fighting for.
Read with Julia 