I know that this writing challenge was set back in April so my submission is ‘slightly’ late but, I promise it’s late for a good reason.
The past five years of my life have been an ‘adventure’, to say the least, that only the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien himself could create. From moving to Yorkshire for my first teaching job to crashing three cars in six months and having to walk home in the snow as Lady Macbeth (a story for another time perhaps) to returning home to Liverpool but continuing to teach in Leeds, my last endeavour has definitely been my ‘there and back again’ tale.
The hours I spent on the M62 were not necessarily my favourite moments but honestly, I wouldn’t have done it any other way. I mean, don’t get me wrong, not having to drive for two to three hours each way just to get to work would be nice (yes that’s right Maps lied to me, it was definitely not an hour and a half) but it meant I was able to spend more time with my family and friends, a support network I so desperately needed at the end of last year, and I still got to work in a place I adored, a place that shared my beliefs about teaching – something that is seemingly rare in the modern day education sector.
However, my fierce determination to stick it out was no match for the gruelling pressure that the commute, coupled with devastating circumstances in my personal life, put on my health. I so desperately wanted to succeed in being able to do everything that I set out to achieve that I forgot to take a breath and consider the impact it was having on me and my ability to do my job. Now, more than ever, imposter syndrome started to manage my life and slowly pick apart the things I worked so hard to build. It came to a point that I realised I couldn’t continue down the road I had set out for myself and I urgently needed a change in direction.
So, I began to reconsider what I deemed to be important to me and where I wanted to be professionally. I took some time to reassess what I needed to keep myself healthy and what aspects of my work I genuinely enjoyed. Ultimately it came down to this, I couldn’t continue with the commute, as much as I loved the community I served, and put my health at risk – so I needed to relocate. On paper it seemed simple enough, but my head and my heart where at a crossroads that they couldn’t possible continue on together.
Then came the search for somewhere new and I quickly began to realise that Leeds West had taught me what I truly valued in education and not to lower my expectations for anyone, under any circumstances. For that I am eternally grateful.
It had dawned on me that although I love working with disadvantaged students and ensuring that they had every opportunity to succeed, I missed working as an integral part of the English department. The passion I have for my subject had somewhat diminished over the past months and I found that when I concentrated my efforts towards that area (creating schemes of learning and thinking critically about literature) I was much happier in myself. It was at this point that I realised I needed to get back to my roots, even if for a little while, to build myself and my confidence back up.
It’s then that I found it, after a few rounds of Cinderella, the perfect fit. A school that reminded me of all the beautiful things I love about Leeds West, a school that was honest about their journey and where they needed to be, a school that cared deeply about the individual students and staff.
Time came to interview for the post I so desperately wanted and being me, I just couldn’t help myself but prepare to the absolute nines for it. I had spent a couple of days putting together a comprehensive history of my work both as a Assistant Curriculum Leader and Pupil Premium Leader. Not to mention any observations or scrutinies I had since well forever. Okay, so this might have been overkill but what can I say… I’m nothing if not particular.
The interview itself was surreal, just as the Government began the countdown to lockdown, with no students on site to teach and a back to basics, ‘here’s what I have to offer, take my word on it’ style, interview. Yet, straight away I knew it was where I wanted to be.
So without further delay, it’s official… I’m moving schools. As of September 2020 (Covid-19 permitting) I will be Second in Charge of English at Halewood Academy – just a stone throw away from my Nan’s house, in case you were wondering.
A Scouser's Guide to Education 
Excellent insight. Loved reading this piece.
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