• Teacher

Teacher

Education might not seem a glamorous profession – I mean, who’d want to hang around in schools forever?  But actually, there is a lot to be said for doing just that.

Recently, I met one of my old teachers Mrs Jamieson, and asked her, ‘how can you still be working in that place?’ I thought most of my teachers were OK but felt sorry for them.  It sure wasn’t the job for me!

But Mrs Jamieson was much happier than I’d remembered.  ‘Hi Lauren’ she quirked with a big cheeser.  ‘How are you getting on?  Still doing journalism?’

I was so surprised, ‘I’m great, thanks for remembering me so well! I thought with all your pupils every year I’d have been long forgotten about.’ 

She laughed and explained that it is exactly what makes her job worthwhile.  She said all pupils are individuals and mostly, the real kick is getting to know all the different characters.  ‘So much interesting talent goes through my classes every year, I’m really lucky to have met some of the kids I’ve taught.’  She remembers me and how amazing my English skills were – she’d be disappointed with this banter then, oops!

So, it’s good to know that your teacher actually wants to be there isn’t it?  That’s what makes a good teacher according to Mrs Jamieson.  We’ve found some great examples... take three of the teachers involved right now - you know who you are (Bobby Coates, Margaret Leyden, and Neil Macdonald) - all passionate about the care of you lot!!

Second pointer, teach something you love! Kids need someone who can put things the right way.  One idea might be; take your subject, one you really love and prove yourself at it.  So, if you like music, show everyone how kickass a guitarist you can be!  Take it to the top and then look back at all the inspired young ones you’ve impressed then proudly impart your knowledge.  Even if you’re not the next Jimi Hendrix, be the next best thing – his teacher! Wow, achievement!

In fact, our local X Factor heroes The MacDonald Brothers wanted to teach.  I don’t know if its teaching music or teaching guys how to be so good looking, better check that one! But either way they are teaching something they’re good at right? 

At the end of the day, a teacher’s job is to be a role model - like all our achievers trying to "teach" you about their experiences.

If you want to find out more click on http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Education/Teaching_in_Scotland.  This webpage will give you detailed overview of the different routes available when thinking of becoming a teacher.

Or alternatively click here: http://www.uws.ac.uk/courses/ug-subjectsearch.asp?id=2 .  This is a link to the University of West Scotland website which gives you information on how to get straight into one of their teaching courses as soon you leave school.

As I waved goodbye to Mrs Jamieson she smiled another big cheesy grin.  I just had to say something about it.  ‘You seemed a lot less cheery when you were teaching me.  What’s that about?’  I never expected her response to be this funny.  She said ‘Oh come on, you didn’t believe that act did you?  We teachers just put that stern face on to freak you all out into thinking we are all just one dull old species.’