Lead Practitioner for Science

I had a great experience at school. My teachers were warm, funny, and very human, and they taught with their own personalities. They challenged me when I needed it, especially when I had a tendency to coast despite having quite a high academic ability. That caring approach made me think I could be a teacher too — and it probably helped that my sense of humour never really matured past the age of sixteen. 

I’m Ben Gott, and I’m the Regional Lead Practitioner for Science in the Eastern Region. My job is to go into schools and support heads of department and teachers to make sure the science education in each school is as strong as it can possibly be. 

To do this role, you need the same qualifications you’d need to become a science teacher: GCSE English and maths at grade C or above (grade 5 now), A levels in your subject, and a subject specific degree. For me, that was chemistry. After that, I completed a PGCE, which gave me qualified teacher status. 

My typical working hours are eight until five during term time, but because I travel a lot, I’m usually out of the door well before eight and home well after five. Sometimes I need to pick up work in the evenings or at weekends, especially when I’m planning lessons, training, or meetings. On Fridays I work from home, mostly doing online meetings, and the rest of the week I’m in different schools working with teachers and students. 

My main responsibilities include supporting heads of department, doing learning walks, coaching teachers, teaching lessons myself — sometimes while being observed — and developing curriculum. It’s a varied role, and every day looks different. 

My advice to anyone interested in this kind of work is simple: teaching is one of the best jobs in the world. It’s hard work, but it isn’t poorly paid, and I never dread coming to work. Every day brings something new.