HOW I GOT HERE Sabrina Sacco reveals her career journey

Sabrina Sacco, a performing arts teacher at Alcester Academy in Warwickshire, discusses her path to success

When I was at school, I was in awe of my chemistry teacher, Mrs Broad. I struggled with science, but she was patient and helped me work through each problem. She came across as a very strong woman and was an excellent tutor; no one misbehaved in her class. I thought, ‘This is the sort of woman I want to be one day.’

DESPITE MY EARLY FASCINATION WITH SCHOOL, I BECAME A WEDDING PLANNER AFTER UNIVERSITY.

I enjoyed my job, but I didn’t feel fulfilled and knew something was missing. I’d catch myself counting down the clock and, in the back of my mind, teaching was always there.

IN 2004, I DECIDED TO TAKE A LEAP AND APPLIED FOR A TEACHING QUALIFICATION.

I was accepted to do a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Worcester, specialising in Modern Languages. As part of my teacher training, I assisted a primary school class. On my first day, a little girl innocently told me I had a big nose. Instead of being offended, I was warmed by her unadulterated honesty and, in that moment, I knew I’d found my place.

AS I WAS FINISHING MY TRAINING, MY FORMER TEACHER, MRS BROAD, GOT IN TOUCH.

She told me a position had come up at my old school and invited me to interview. I couldn’t believe it when I got the job. At 23, I arrived for my first day as a teacher at Alcester Academy in Warwickshire – the secondary school where I’d been a student.

I TAUGHT LANGUAGES FOR 10 YEARS, WHILE ALSO LEADING DRAMA CLASSES.

I’ve always adored the theatre, so when a role teaching solely performing arts came up in 2015,

I went for it. I’m a huge advocate for soft skills (social and communication abilities) in young people. Exam results are great, but we’re sending people into the world who don’t have the confidence to speak on the phone or interact properly. Performance really hones those interpersonal skills.

SEEING MY STUDENTS IMPROVE AND SUCCEED IS WHAT KEEPS ME GOING.

I’m still in touch with most of my first-ever tutor group, who are in their late 20s now. They’ve become doctors and mechanics, got married and even had their own children. I can’t believe they’re the same tiny year-seven students I first met.

I WANT MY SONS TO SEE A WOMAN WITH A GOOD CAREER, SO BALANCING FAMILY LIFE WITH WORK IS IMPORTANT.

I’m able to work four days a week, which is a huge help with three boys at primary school and my husband also working. My eldest is due to join Alcester Academy in September and, when I asked if he wanted me to move schools so I wouldn’t be his teacher, he said no. He told me my job was too important.

I’M A HUGE ADVOCATE FOR MY PROFESSION AND HAVE MENTORED TRAINEE TEACHERS.

I work with Get Into Teaching, the campaign that aims to inspire anyone, from graduates to career-changers, to consider teaching. Often, people’s perceptions of teaching are completely different to the reality – it’s a hugely rewarding job.

I DEFINE SUCCESS AS THE DIFFERENCE I’M ABLE TO MAKE.

As a mum, I understand the trust you put in your child’s teacher. I see up to 150 pupils walk through my classroom door each day and I have the chance to positively influence and instil passion in every one of them.

NEARLY 14 YEARS LATER, I STILL PINCH MYSELF THAT I’M ABLE TO DO THIS JOB.

I’m always looking towards what’s next and have developed a three-year plan for my department, which I’m really excited about. For me, teaching is the greatest privilege there is.

‘I WANT MY SONS TO SEE A WOMAN WITH A GOOD CAREER’