Due to cuts by the government, my job opportunity with the police was cut. I came back to County Durham, and volunteered at the YMCA in Barnard Castle and Startforth Primary School to build my experience, as I knew I wanted to work with children.
I applied to a school centred initial teacher training course, ran by Northumbria University from Greenlane School, in Barnard Castle. After completing the course, I got my first teaching job at Mowden Infants School in Darlington, where I enjoyed teaching Year 1 children.
After my experience working with a child with special needs; I decided to apply to work in a special needs school in Bishop Auckland, where I currently teach. This has been an amazing and eye opening experience. I work with children with profound and multiple learning difficulties and severe learning difficulties aged 5-7.
What university did you attend?
Glamorgan University and Northumbria University.
What qualifications did you achieve?
1st class hons in Police Science and a primary PGCE with QTS.
What are your future plans and ambitions?
To write a children’s story book and have it published.
What has been the highlight of your life so far after leaving school?
Getting married and completing the Great North Run.
What is your favourite Teesdale memory?
There are so many, it is difficult to choose! I think one of my favourites has to be 'Hendo' rapping his song ‘Louis Pasteur the Germ Theory Master’, whilst wearing a baseball cap. I will never forget it!