A pupil that I taught in my NQT year is currently doing a period of work experience in our school for her A Levels. It has made me realise how long I have been at my current school. I have decided to look for something new, a fresh challenge.
I was pretty green around the gills when I joined my current school and my headteacher always says I joined just after all of the boring, yet essential, ICT developments had been completed. Like installing fibre optic cabling across the site and ensuring the broadband was properly working.
I have been fortunate to gain teaching experience from Nursery to Year 6, valuable leadership experience and the freedom to development a wide range of creative technology projects to support the curriculum. From some of the UK’s first whole school interactive whiteboard development back in 2002/2003 to our recent Flip Video Cameras for each class.
I have spent about 7 years working closely with my headteacher in developing an environment that is beginning to provide learners with the ability to choose how they want technology to support their work. And throughout all of that there has been a continual promotion of a creative approach to technology. My headteacher is in fact the first to pass me a job advert he considers me suitable for – I am indebted to him for the trust and faith he has shown in me to develop my subject and to follow my passion.
But I feel that it is time to move on – I am still an ambitious teacher and although I have been quietly exploring other avenues I want to begin to look in earnest.
I am curious and excited to find out what new opportunities and challenges are out there.
Thanks Kevin for such supportive feedback. I really appreciate it.
Hi Tom,
I’ve just picked this up from the link you recently posted with the ‘feeling frustrated’ Twitter comment. After reading this post from January I can empathise with your situation. If your urge to turn the corner is that strong then go for it.
You and others like you have inspired me to try out using new tech in my classroom and to great success. Whatever road you decide to follow next I’m certain of one thing, you will be as successful at that as you are as a teacher. You have that quality that makes teachers great – inspiring.
All the best in your decision.
Thanks Iain – I appreciate your support 🙂 it has been on my mind since I posted this back in January. It will be great to catch up and chat on Wed night – who knows what is around the corner, but I do know it is a corner I want to turn.
Serious news Tom. If it’s time to move on though, then it’s time to move on. You’re the one who knows what’s best for you, and I’m sure you are doing what’s right, and with your usual panache for ‘the right time’ as well!!! I wish you all the best, and hope you find a job that gives you what you are looking for.
One thing I do know – you have inspired countless teachers (I include myself among them) and I’m sure you will continue to do so in whatever new niche you carve for yourself. Someone mentioned you coming North of the Border, and whilst I realise that is unlikely, you know you would be most welcome.
All the best for the future, and I’ll see you on Wednesday for a pint!
Hey Steve thanks for the comment – I share that quest for the perfect job, we are pretty similar in our approach – so maybe you have got that perfect position! I know there isn’t much around. Please put a word in wherever you can – always appreciate a little help.
Thanks Mark – I know that I am most passionate about those moments with the kids. I will miss it for certain. But I am equally certain a change of direction is needed.
I was in almost exactly the same position 8 yrs ago when I left teaching to set up Learning Curve Education. One thing to bear in mind – if you move to a role with little or no contact time, you may miss the best part of the job – teaching. I know I do. Good luck with whatever you choose to do next
When you get the itch you’ve got to scratch it!
Just to say when I moved from my last job I promised myself that I would only move if the perfect job came up. I ment that it took a little longer – but I’m totally glad that I waited.
That would be my advice don’t just move because you want a change – move because it’s the right move for you and your personal development.
If needs be I’ll put a word i for you at a small inner city school in Salford that’s very forward thinking :0)
Was catching up with my feed reader and found this. Oh dear Tom, decision time, it would appear.
I am absolutely sure whatever to put your hand to, it’ll be a resounding success. Good luck and don’t be afraid to take that first tentative step.
All the best. José.
When I read this yesterday I was really depressed. I think I was so sad for the students in the grade below that must have been waiting excitedly for the news that you might be their teacher next year. Your classroom is an exciting place and I only get to read about it.
I am excited for you though. I understand the desire to try new things. The idea of retiring from our first job is old. Adults now switch so many times. I actually have had 6 different titles and have only been working for the past 12 years!
But I do want to say one thing that I can personally reflect on…Getting out of the classroom to try a hand at technology support or whatever is great, but you’ll miss having your own set of kids to try out these new gadgets and learning activities. You will have to convince a teacher to trust you, to let you in his/her room, to manipulate their lesson plans. Just this morning a Twitter came across my screen stating that someone was broadcasting from the pyramids but she can’t get any of her Ancient History teachers to participate. I hope that if you end up being a supporter for teachers using technology or a leader in technology education teachers will be wise enough to leave their doors wide open for you!
I wish you the best and pray that you will stay in education somehow to continue to inspire and teach us.
Good luck with finding your niche Tom. You have so much to offer both students and teachers. It would be wonderful to have an opportunity to work with you in one way or another in the future! 🙂
How about heading North of the Border? You know it makes sense and you have good contacts up here. Any roles with LTScotland? It’s innovative and progressive (on the whole!).
Rich
Good luck Tom
I am sure you will make the right decisions and find a new challenge. Although I teach adults at the other end of the age spectrum to you, (often groups aged 60 plus) I have still found a lot of commn ground in the ideas and technologies that you discuss. It will be interesting to see where you go next.
SPJ
Just did some research to check the current status on the need for teachers in Aus. Prim and Sec school teachers are still on the list, but not on the Critical Skills List. Good luck with rethinking your teaching placement.
Leigh
(from Adelaide but actually teaching in Baku)
Best wishes Tom for your quest.
It took me a long time to find my niche, but I have it now…
Tom
Good luck with your new pursue. you will go far!
With your skills, knowledge and especially passion and attitude that you possess in technology integration you will be a valuable asset not only to a school but to any NGO, organization or company wanting to enhance their operation via ICT.
All the best in your fresh start!
Doug – who knows what is next for me? I would like to find a role that allows me time to think about ways to use technology with learners and to share that. But it is worth keeping all of my options open at the moment – thanks for your comment.
I’ll be interested to see what type of jobs you apply for, Tom! Are you going to go for the traditional role but bring something new to it, or something different altogether?
Only half-jokingly, we could go into a primary/secondary consultancy partnership… 😉