While many parents found homeschooling hugely challenging, it inspired Sameera Cooper to take a new career direction.
When I saw the amazing things keyworkers were doing, I was inspired
‘Lockdown helped me find my purpose’
At the beginning of February, I decided to close the doors to my pop-up food shop in north London. While the past three years had been fun, I’d always seen it as more of a hobby and was keen to start something new; I just didn’t know what. Then, when the UK went into lockdown and I saw all the amazing things keyworkers were doing, I was inspired. I knew that what I did next needed to help people.
Like many other mums, I had to get involved with homeschooling my three children, Cosmo, 15, Hero, 13, and Bay, 11. I embraced the challenge, writing out science tests for Cosmo and helping Bay with maths, particularly fractions, as I knew she was struggling. When she began her geography project, I really encouraged her to use books as well as the internet, so she could get a good range of information. It felt so satisfying to be helping my own children and
I was keen to help others. That’s when I decided I wanted to teach.
My friend Angela trained to become a teacher last year with Now Teach, a company that supports career changers who want to get into the classroom.
I have a degree in textiles from the University of Manchester, but I wasn’t sure if it would be enough, or if I’d have to return to studying. So, I left a message with Now Teach, asking for more information. Not long after, the company called me back and persuaded me to apply. A week later, I was offered a video interview, where I had to discuss what I could contribute as a teacher and why I wanted to become one. I told them I genuinely wanted to give something back, and within a few days, I received an email to say I’d been successful.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
I had to choose what subject I wanted to teach and which school to complete my training through. I chose chemistry, as we could go with our degree subject or one we studied at A level. I applied to train with Ark Teacher Training, as I admired its commitment to helping disadvantaged children. I was thrilled to get an interview, but I knew it would be tough. My children were excited. They checked when my interview was and would plan to go out, so they wouldn’t disturb me, and when
I finished, they immediately wanted to know how it went.
I was nervous before the first interview, as I hadn’t done one in such a long time. Luckily, the teacher training recruiter, Alex, was encouraging, which put me at ease. My second interview was a three-way Zoom call with a headteacher from the local area, a senior team member from Ark, and Alex. I had to prepare and present a chemistry lesson, and I felt sick with nerves. I spent hours practising in front of my mirror and on my children, so that I didn’t need to look at my notes.
During the May half-term, my phone rang. It was Ark. I’d been successful and was offered a placement at Isaac Newton Academy, Ilford. My family clapped and cheered when I told them. They were so proud of what I was doing.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my training, which started in the summer. I’ve been learning how to control a class and trying my techniques on my children! I’ve begun my chemistry enhancement course, too, and Cosmo and I compare notes. I feel grateful that this year’s events helped me find my purpose and direction.
nowteach.org.uk