Here is a piece I have been asked to write for the Cheshire West Governors bulletin.
The Chartered College of Teaching
As the first teacher and university graduate in my immediate family, I know how proud my mum and dad are that I became a teacher. I enjoyed my time at school. However, I was never one of those people who always wanted to be a teacher. People talk about the teacher who inspired them, and for me, it was Mr Rowe, from Parkhall Primary School, Stoke-on-Trent, but my most significant influence and person who motivated me to be a teacher is without question, my father.
Dad left school at fifteen and like his dad, his granddad and all the men in our family he started working in the coal mines. After many years working full time underground he gained the necessary qualifications to become an electrical engineer and became a proud member of the Association of Mining Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Teaching in a primary school would not have been the first choice for a boy from a working-class background and my school heavily promoted careers in heavy engineering and the armed services; I am eternally grateful that my family has supported my journey towards becoming a school leader.
I have now worked in schools for twenty-four years, and it was with great excitement and anticipation when I heard about the formation of The Chartered College of Teaching in 2016. I joined the College as Founder Member in January 2017 and would like to briefly share my experiences from the last 12 months of membership.
Being Connected
Developing strong and constructive professional networks is the one piece of advice I would offer to all new teachers. Being part of Chartered College Community has enabled our school to strengthen our networks. In the last twelve months, our school has developed strong partnership working with The Ignite and CLTA teaching alliances, we worked with St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School to bring the Learning First Conference to Chester, and we have connected and visited some of the most successful schools in the country.
Being Informed
Through interactions via social media, journals like the “Impact Journal”, and educational conferences, I feel that I, and our staff at Hartford Manor, have never been as well informed.
Being Recognised
As a school leader membership of organisations like the National Association of Headteachers and qualifications such the NPQH give you professional recognition. By working with The Chartered College, teachers will have the opportunity to engage with a programme that will lead to Chartered Teacher Status.
Being Inspired
Over the last twelve months, our school has engaged with teachers from across the country. The opportunity to engage with professionals like Dame Alison Peacock, Simon Smith, Sinead Gaffney and Michael Tidd has raised our game as we continue to strive to be the best school we can be.
In summary, The Chartered College of Teaching has been an inspirational place to be, and I would ask Governors and School Leaders to encourage teachers and students to consider membership.
