As Black History Month begins, Laetitia, Teach First RE trainee, shares her motivations for teaching and why diversity and representation are so important to her.
I was inspired to get into teaching because of my amazing secondary school teacher, Miss Austin. She always encouraged me to do my best and taught me that I could achieve anything.
I wanted to be that teacher for a young person.
In sixth form, I took part in an extra-curricular programme where I supported teachers in Year 9 RE lessons. I really enjoyed it and just knew I wanted to help young people achieve their full potential.
The Teacher Training Programme has been an inspirational journey
The Teach First Training Programme boosted my confidence and helped me realise I was capable of more than I had imagined.
My patience has grown massively, and although I’ve faced challenges in managing my workload, I was able to overcome them through strategic planning and the support of my mentors.
Nothing beats making a difference
I think it’s important to have great teachers that inspire younger generations.
Knowing that you’re making difference in the pupils' lives, and hearing that they value and appreciate you is incredibly rewarding.
Nothing beats hearing that a pupil who has been working really hard has passed their assessment or GCSE exam - high-quality teaching will not only help pupils in their academic journeys but offer them many more opportunities beyond school.
The importance of diversity within the classroom
Pupils gain a better understanding of the wider society by learning about diversity.
It helps to positively shape their interactions with others, and to understand the roots of certain issues. It’s important for them to respect everyone and treat each other equally.
Diversity within education can also help to combat misconceptions that may have been instilled from an early age, and makes pupils feel more welcome and included in the school community.
Representation in the classroom
It's important for pupils to see teachers who look like them.
Representation within the classroom helps to boost our pupils’ aspirations and shows them that, regardless of their background, there are no limits to what they can achieve in the future.
Showcasing diversity in the classroom helps pupils to feel seen, welcomed, and acknowledged.