Meet The Teacher - Miss Atkinson

This is the third of a series of articles where we get to know our trainee teachers.  Trainee teachers attend two placements in the academic year so are with us either from September to Christmas or January to June. They initially observe then start to take over sections of lessons, leading to being in charge of several classes by the time they finish their placement with us. Along with assignments and studies in pedagogy, they work towards their Post Graduate Certificate in Education and Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the summer term.

This week we interviewed two trainee teachers who have been taken under the wings of the English department. 

Meet The Teacher - Miss Atkinson (PE)

What made you want to become a teacher?

My parents are both nurses so I wanted to work in a profession where I help and look after people. I don’t really have the stomach for blood so teaching was better for me.

I completed my English Degree at the University of Derby and then I did an English Masters, specialising in Victorian Studies, at the University of Liverpool.  

I actually then went to train as a detective with Merseyside Police but I found that wasn’t for me so I started my PGCE at Edge Hill University and I love it.

I want to shape young minds and, having been in school for over a month now, I know teaching is for me.

What do you like about your placement at Priory?

Everyone is so supportive, especially the English staff. I would say it is better than I expected, the children are receptive and they have shown a willingness to engage.

It’s my first time in a school since I was a pupil, and it’s interesting to see how a school functions and how, as a teacher, you have to wear a number of different hats. You are not just an English teacher but you also have to be up-to-date on safeguarding, well-being and more!

What's the hardest thing about your job?

I would say it’s the timing as it’s so hard to fit everything into one hour. You have to teach your subject but you also want to build relationships with the pupils and help them so an hour doesn’t seem enough.

What do you like to do in your free time?

It will come as no surprise that the answer is 'read'. I especially like to read the poems from French poet, Charles Baudelaire. His most famous collection is: ‘Flowers of Evil.’