The Positive Teacher Feature: meet Charley!
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Five years in and Charley Ward, KS1 teacher from Leicestershire, has 'the teaching bug' in a major way! Her passion and enthusiasm is a joy to behold and we're thrilled to be able to feature this incredibly Positive Teacher! Thank you for sharing your positivity and uplifting philosophy, Charley! You make us all #ProudToTeach!
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Name:
Charley Ward (momentsinKS1)
Role:
I’m now teaching in a mixed year 1/2 class in Bitteswell Leicestershire while sharing the responsibility of English with another colleague. I’m really enjoying it! This is my 5th year of teaching and I’ve taught year 1 and year 2 so it’s nice to mix them up together. I love English as a subject and I’m really passionate about Phonics and reading so it’s nice to be able to share that responsibility with somebody more experienced and learn from them.
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Why did you get into teaching?
I’ve always enjoyed being around young children and watching them learn and make progress. My first ever teacher really inspired me to teach and I’m sure she won’t mind me mentioning her in this article. Her name was Mrs Furborough and she was the kindest, most caring and exciting teacher I could have wished for in my first few years of school. I still remember her 20 years later and I know that says a lot! I always sit and hope that in a few years time the children I’ve taught in KS1 will remember my lessons and me in exactly the same way.
Thank you Mrs Furborough ☺
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What are your top tips for positivity and excitement within your role?
I’ve always been a big believer in ‘You create the climate in your classroom’ Children really do pick up on your mood easily! It’s so important for you as a teacher to be excited and positive about learning. If you are positive about learning, then the children in your class are going to be excited about learning too. It’s also very important to show the children that it’s ok to get things wrong as long as you are trying your best and persevering! My school promote growth mindset really well and I absolutely LOVE IT`! I get such a good feeling as a teacher when my class succeed, and I know that I’ve played a part in shaping that. Teaching can be really difficult at times but if you keep the children at the heart of what you do then you can’t really go wrong.
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Looking back, what advice would you give your NQT/Trainee self?
It’s okay to not know everything! There is no such thing as a perfect lesson! Teaching can be challenging as it is without putting lots of added pressure on yourself to become a perfect teacher. (There is no such thing) However I have realised that you are perfect for the children I teach! Luckily I’ve had the opportunity to learn from such amazing colleagues (Some experienced and some not as experienced) and each and every one of them have taught me something and helped to shape me into the teacher I now am today. I’m only 5 years into my career and already feel like I’ve achieved so much. I’m very thankful for the opportunities I’ve had so far.
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What's the best thing about being a teacher?
The best thing about being a teacher is seeing children learn new things every day, not just academically but socially too! In the past 5 years; I’ve taught children to read, I’ve taught children to tie their shoes, taught children to try new foods and taught children songs and rhymes! There isn’t really a better feeling than that! We are shaping the future.
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Would you rather sing in front of the whole school in assembly or dance at the next governors' meeting?
For everybody who knows me really well, this isn’t a difficult question! I’m new to my school so I’d probably have to say sing in front of the whole school because I absolutely love it! Trying to give our music lead a run for her money is going to prove difficult because she is amazing! Any excuse for a sing song and I’m usually one of the first in the queue. My class this year think I have a good voice so hopefully that counts for something… I will have to save my dance for the governors for another time!
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!
