What type of school do you work in?

Secondary School

What’s your favourite part of teaching so far?

We use regular quizzes at the start of lessons and it is amazing to see how much joy getting answers right brings to the students.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Be organised. Teacher’s have a planner because so much happens every day in school. You have a planner for a reason – write everything down because by the end of a full teaching day you won’t remember anything if you have not got a note of it!

Can you recommend a good teaching book?

Lemov – Teaching Like a Champion. Amazing strategies – easy to find and great when you need a quick idea of how to change the situation by changing your own behaviour.

Favourite tools, software, or equipment?

Visualizer. Great for modelling – the students love seeing you write answers on the same paper or sheet that they have in front of them.

Who inspires you and why?

Experienced teachers who remain calm, confident and cheerful with all students all the time – no matter what is occurring.

When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

At school

How do you unwind outside of work hours? What helps you to switch off?

Running! Nothing helps me clear my head like a gentle run in the park.

Paula is a secondary school teacher based in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Share your NQT journey with us and get featured on the Teacheroo blog! Simply complete this form to share your tips and experience with other teachers. Every submission includes entry into a prize draw and the chance to win a teacher stationery bundle worth £50. Good luck! 🤞