By Ibraheem Ali Khan
Ibraheem studied biochemistry, and tried a teaching internship after a year working on osteoporosis research. He is currently training to teach with Teach North and Sheffield Hallam University.
The inspiration to teach began when I was a teenager. I was blessed to have had great teachers, in the form of my father (an electrical engineer) when I was young and then my science teacher in high school.
I always believed that one day I could teach, inspire, and invigorate a love of science in the next generation, just as my father and science teacher had done for me.
After university I completed a year-long internship in osteoporosis research and thought about a career in research. But then I also undertook a 4 week teaching internship with the Outwood Institution of Education and Teach North.
During the internship, I shadowed and assisted lessons, visited academies in Outwood Grange Academies Trust, attended taught sessions, and eventually taught starter activities and a lesson. The internship made me see just how much devotion great teachers have.
Teachers have to do so many different things, from planning lessons to managing time and building positive relationships with their students. The internship made me realise that, even if it would be a steep learning curve and perhaps a never-ending process, I had the perseverance, skill set, and social skills to become an effective teacher. Furthermore, I would enjoy it!
Seeing the challenges that children from some socio-economic backgrounds face, and how these can hinder their effort and affect their behaviour, made me realise the importance of being an inspiring teacher and role model. Every child deserves a world-class education.
I believe that, as educators and members of a community, it is our duty to ensure that future generations have an education that enables them to become outstanding members of the community, embark on whichever career path they choose, and compete with the rest of the world.
As someone who is currently undertaking their PGCE year with Teach North and Sheffield Hallam University, my advice to anyone considering a career in teaching is to understand that it is not a one-dimensional, 9-to-5, job. It requires devotion, but the reward of the difference you are making in your students’ lives and in your community makes it all worth it.
Applications are open now for summer 2021 teaching internships. Find out more on the Get into Teaching website.
