Becoming an exceptional teacher

What inspired you to study chemistry?

At school, my chemistry teacher was one of my favourites, and I enjoyed the element of fun and curiosity she brought to the laboratory. I was captured by the questions and wonders she set out in class, how we knew so much about the world of chemistry even though we can’t see it. I enjoyed learning new things and new challenges, such as experiments or problem solving.

The further through school I moved, the more fascinated I became with the subject. Chemistry seemed magical, and I was desperate to learn how it
all worked. I knew I couldn’t stop at A-Level.

When did you first know you wanted to be a chemistry teacher?

Becoming a chemistry teacher had always been at the back of my mind throughout university. However at that age, I didn’t know who or where I wanted to be.

It was a few years after my Masters that I was finally ready to settle into a potentially life long career. I had explored various careers, including postgraduate research and being a Trade Analyst for an investment bank. These jobs transformed me from a student into a young professional, but I missed learning and science too much.

That’s when I knew that I wanted to teach, to inspire young people, just like my chemistry teachers at school and university had inspired me.

What was the best part of your teacher training?

It’s hard to pin-point one thing that I have enjoyed best, as there are so many. However, I think the mentoring that I received at my placement school was the key to my success this year. Their support has really directed me to become an outstanding trainee teacher. 

What about the biggest challenge you faced this year?

Creating a work-life balance. I knew this wouldn’t be easy as I was just starting out and I needed to put in the study hours, just like any other degree. Each lesson plan used to take a few hours, but as the year went  on, they have become much easier.

Other challenges were behaviour management and organisation of practical lessons. These areas were supported largely by my mentors, and by the end, even they were not a problem.

You’re an RSC Scholar – what has been the best part of your scholarship?

The extra support that the Royal Society of Chemistry provided, such as continuing professional development (CPD) sessions. The quality of these was phenomenal and the extra resources from them were really helpful.
The RSC knows how to inspire the young teachers to stand out and I always left every event feeling even more motivated to be an outstanding teacher.

Would you recommend the scholarship to others?

I would highly recommend the scholarship to others because it has been the backbone to my career this year. Not only have I had constant support from the RSC during my training, I have been on additional training days that are only offered to the scholars.

I also received many books and resources that have been a huge help during this year and will be in the future too. I strongly recommend that any potential trainee chemistry teacher applies, because the additional benefits and its appearance on your CV are worth a lot.

So what’s next?

I started at my new job in September as a science teacher at a high school. I am really looking forward to establishing myself as a teacher at my new workplace.

Do you have any advice for people thinking of teaching chemistry?

If you are passionate about chemistry, then give it a go. Look at the bursaries that you are eligible for and apply for the RSC Teacher Training Scholarship, as it has been one of the best things about my year.

Teaching is a rewarding job, on a daily basis. You get to teach and inspire students about what you love the most, in the way that you want, which makes it the most satisfying job that I have come across.

Our Teacher Training Scholarships

Royal Society of Chemistry Teacher Training Scholarships are for individuals with potential to become exceptional chemistry teachers. In partnership with the Department for Education, our scholars receive a £25,000 tax-free bursary and a support package from us, including mentoring, CPD, resources, Royal Society of Chemistry membership and access to regional and national networks.

In July, our first cohort of 66 scholars completed their teacher training courses. As they progress in their teaching careers, they will be ambassadors for the Royal Society of Chemistry within their schools and communities.

We are also delighted to welcome 117 new Initial Teacher Training Scholars onto the programme this year, who will begin their training this month.