Back in the summer, we did a fantastic live Q&A on Twitter in partnership with Plymouth Teaching Schools Alliance (PTSA). We talked to Sam Marker, former PTSA trainee and year 5/6 teacher at High View School, and Kim Dorian-Kemp, Headteacher at High View. In case you missed it, here are some highlights.
About Kim and Sam
How did you decide between teaching in a Primary and a Secondary school?
Kim: At 5ft 1, was there a choice? Seriously, influencing children at an early age sets them up for life.
Sam: My top tip would be to gain experience in both phases, as I was set to start training in the secondary sector, however one week in primary changed it all!
What is your greatest achievement in the classroom?
Sam: It would be impossible to select one achievement. Each and every day is made up of great moments, whether it’s watching the penny drop or simply making a child smile with pride when they achieve the ‘impossible’.
Life as a teacher
What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching?
Sam: Watching the children progress not just academically, but as young members of society.
Kim: As a headteacher, watching our children thrive thanks to our fantastic teachers creating awe and wonder.
What do you love about working with young people?
Sam: I love their sense of humour. Whether they are trying to be funny or not, they always give you something to smile about!
Kim: You don’t realise this until you meet an ex-pupil as an adult. When they tell you the difference that you made in their lives, it makes you realise that every word, every gesture can have a lasting impact.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in school?
Sam and Kim: One year during the children’s talent show our staff surprised the children and parents with a flash mob dance routine! They were in hysterics… we were the talk of the playground for weeks!
School isn’t just about teaching — what extra-curricular activities can you get involved in?
Kim: If you have a skill, talent or interest, any school would be grateful for any support you could give. However, as a trainee, there is no expectation that you run a club alone.
Sam: My passion outside of teaching is football and I’m fortunate enough to support the school football team here.
Kim: My passion is sailing, so I run a sailing club here in Plymouth.
Has teaching offered you any unexpected opportunities?
Kim: I’m privileged to be a National Lead Educator, which gives me opportunities to support other schools. I have also undertaken international inspections, most recently in the Czech Republic. I’ve done teacher exchanges in South Africa and France too.
How do your students inspire you to get up for work every morning?
Sam: Because, today might just be the day that one of my lessons inspires a child and changes their life forever.
Kim: “Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.” — Henry Brooks Adams
Advice
In your opinion, what qualities do the best teachers have?
Kim: When I interview teachers, I look for charisma and presence. You can develop pedagogical skills, but you can’t teach charisma. Children need to be inspired, stimulated and motivated — teaching isn’t just about imparting information.
What are your main behaviour management strategies and how did you learn them?
Sam: For me, behaviour management is all about mutual respect. If you respect the children, they will generally respect you back.
What do you find difficult about teaching and how do you overcome that?
Sam: The most difficult thing about teaching is managing the workload, however if you learn to work smart and work collaboratively as a team, the weight gets lifted.
Kim: Children deserve your full attention. Sometimes you may not be in the best frame of mind, but as soon as you step into school you leave that at the door. A supportive school looks after its staff as well as the children.
