Exploring routes into teaching careers? Read (or listen to) Shaniqua’s story…
Shaniqua is a Primary School Teacher. Her journey into teaching wasn’t as easy as others. When she was 15, her mother sadly passed away. As a result, Shaniqua struggled to get the GCSEs she needed to become a teacher.
But Shaniqua was determined to make her mum proud and teach at the same school that supported her so much growing up.
How did you train to become a teacher?
“After school, I went to college and I studied childcare. I then decided to go to university and do a BA Honours in Education Studies. At the same time, I was a Teaching Assistant which gave me lots of experience.
I redid my GCSEs at the age of 25, which felt quite late in life but I realised there’s a lot of people who go back and do their GCSEs.”
Why did you want to work at St. Mary’s?
“When I was at St Mary’s school, they gave me that family element. I felt loved, I felt safe, and I felt like teachers believed in me. I bring that back to the children there now.”
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a teacher?
“Reach out. Talk to someone. There’s so many ways you can get into teaching instead of just A-Levels and University.”
What do you love most about being a teacher?
“When my students let me know how much they appreciate how I teach them, it makes me realise that I’m in the right career and that I’m making an impact.
I felt inspired and wanted to inspire the children in my local community so they know that they can achieve anything if they work hard enough.”
Here’s what her students had to say:
“She makes learning fun, and I love it.”
“You never get bored in class and you always learn something new.”
“She’s very inspiring.”
“Miss Edwards-Hayde makes learning fun and I think that she’s a very positive person.”
Get Into Teaching
Your favourite teacher started exactly where you are now. You are more of a teacher than you think!
