Meet The Teacher - Mr Flannery

This is the fourth 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 Maths department. 

Meet The Teacher - Mr Flannery (Maths)

What made you want to become a teacher?

I was in financial services and I volunteered with a youth group and I enjoyed the challenge of working with young people. I decided teaching would be a more rewarding job for me as I would rather engage with people than sit at a desk.

I did my degree in Maths at NUIG (University of Galway), I worked in financial services for seven years, stopped that just before Covid and then recently came over to England to do my PGCE at Edge Hill.

What do you like about your placement at Priory?

It’s challenging but also rewarding. I enjoy interacting with the pupils and also getting to know their personalities and interests. It’s nice when something clicks and you get a real sense of how rewarding the job is.

The staff and the department are very supportive, they are helping me to develop and it’s a good atmosphere at Priory. The teaching is a high standard and it is nice to see pupils make progress.

What's the hardest thing about your job?

Before I started teaching, I didn’t realise how many different elements are needed to deliver a great lesson so it’s about managing all those aspects. As a trainee teacher, I am trying to improve on the job.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am into sports. I like playing football and also watching football, I am a Manchester United fan. I like surfing and also hiking and I want to do more of them.