Positive Teacher Feature 6: meet Kate!
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From being an 'assertive' older sister to secondary teacher and Head of MFL, Kate Carter, is quite clearly an extremely positive teacher! Her story is moving and, below, she has some wonderful advice to share with our TPTC Community. Thank you Kate: this is exactly why we invented The Positive Teacher Feature!
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Name: Kate Carter (@the_holistic_teacher)
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Role:
I am Head of MFL at a secondary 11-16 school in Leicestershire.
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Why did you get into teaching?
I got into teaching because I had always wanted to be a teacher. I even used to make my sisters write things for me (on any topic) just so that I could mark it!! I had a tough time at primary school myself as a I had severe panic attacks and I realised just how much of an effect teachers can have on young minds. I decided that I wanted to be a part of that; to make sure that all children feel that they matter and that they are so much stronger than they realise.
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What are your top tips for positivity and excitement within your role?
1. Doing little, unexpected things for students and colleagues alike. 2. Remembering my why; why I got into teaching. 3. Practising gratitude and really feeling the things that are going well in my teaching career no matter how small.
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Looking back, what advice would you give your NQT/Trainee self?
1. Do not compare yourself to more experienced colleagues. You are not in the same place but it doesn’t mean that you’re any less valuable. You will bring in new knowledge and a different perspective so feel the joy about all the good things you can and are doing.
2. You are the best resource in the classroom and you don’t have to say yes to everything. Having boundaries is healthy and absolutely okay.
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What's the best thing about being a teacher?
Making a difference and seeing a quiet, reserved student come out of their shell and come into their own.
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Would you rather no more lesson observations or no more marking?
Ooh this is a tough one. I would prefer there to be less focus on marking and more focus on feedback. Feedback is vital for progress and success but marking feels like a tick exercise at times and has little effect on any results. I like informal lesson observations as I always appreciate a more objective perspective so that I can improve my own teaching.
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Do you love teaching? If you'd like to nominate yourself or another teacher who you think deserves to be featured, please email us at enquiries@thepositiveteachercompany.co.uk. We'd love to hear from you!
