Primary School Teacher
Lizzie Webb is a primary school teacher, working with reception class EYFS at All Saints Primary School, Fulham.
Summary
- Lizzie is head of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), phonics lead, and art/DT coordinator, and emphasises the importance of teamwork despite working in a one-form entry school. Lizzie collaborates with nursery and year one teachers, blending shared ideas with individual classroom approaches.
- To become a teacher, Lizzie obtained GCSEs, A-levels, and a four-year BA Ed degree with English and Primary Education from the University of Reading, followed by QTS. Career progression in teaching allows for advancement from roles like hers to senior leadership positions, such as assistant head, deputy head, and head teacher.
- Teaching offers benefits like generous holidays, flexible hours, and global job opportunities. Lizzie advises teachers to prioritise self-care and avoid stress, recognising that not everything can be accomplished in a single day.
Sectors
The working environment is a lot to do with teamwork. Although a one form entry school, Lizzie does not have another year partner to plan with, she works with the nursery teacher and the year one teacher to collaborate ideas to get a real mix of teamwork but then you can put your own spin on things in your own class.
To become a teacher, you need to have GCSE level 4 and above in maths, English and science. You then need a degree and the relevant qualification for your area of teaching (QTS – qualified teacher status).
Working hours are Monday to Friday, depending on your school, around 7.45 to 8am to start and usually finishing at around 4.30 to 5pm.
As a teacher you have hours when you must be in school, but you can be a little more flexible as to when you get your planning/marking and preparation done. If you need to leave at 3.30 one day, then you may stay until 5 to 5.30pm the next day as an example.
You can climb the ladder in teaching in general in terms of career progression. Now Lizzie is head of early years, and the next step would be to build up into senior leadership and become assistant head, deputy head and then if she wanted to, head teacher.
Benefits to being a teacher is the holidays. You get a lot of time off every year, and it is good if you have children yourself because then you can coincide that with them having time off too which is great. Also, flexible start and finish times are good. Also, you can work anywhere. You can move house, move abroad as there is always a need for teachers.
Location
Primary School Teacher
The working environment is a lot to do with teamwork. Although a one form entry school, Lizzie does not have...