When asked why I want to be a teacher, there is simply only one answer.

As cliché as it may sound, I have always wanted to be a teacher. Ever since starting school at the age of 5, I have always looked up to teachers and admired what they do and the role they play in helping and assisting children in their education and personal development. It was my primary three teacher Miss Graham however, who inspired me and made me want to become a primary school teacher. She was not only amazing at her job but was also kind, caring, and funny and made me feel more excited and enthusiastic to learn. She changed the way I thought about school and learning and really made an impact on my school life, even from such a young age. Ever since then I have always wanted to become a primary school teacher and be exactly like her.

Having known for a long time that I wanted to become a primary teacher, I have taken every opportunity that I can to work with children both within and out with schools. For four and a half years I volunteered at my local Rainbows Unit, 1st Annan Rainbows, in which I planned activities, organised events and worked closely with young children between the ages of 5 and 7 on a weekly basis. This allowed me to develop my communication and leadership skills and enhance my patience and understanding when working with young children. Furthermore, working with these children also gave me the ability to relate to how a child’s mind works and seeing the girls develop and build in character within the years spent with then was such an exciting and rewarding experience and I know that is exactly how I would feel everyday as a primary teacher.

After so many years of wanting to be a primary teacher I am now more excited than ever to actually be at the University of Dundee studying Primary Education. I am looking forward to gaining more knowledge and experience over the next four years that will help and prepare me for my future as a primary school teacher. I am most of all looking forward to the placements that I will take part in where I will be able to put everything which I have learned over the many years of volunteering and work experience into practice in the classroom.