Teacher urges more people to join her in class
AS THE valuable role teachers play becomes ever more appreciated a woman from Macclesfield has become part of a campaign to encourage more people into the profession.
Lissa Cook, 46, from Tytherington School, has joined Get Into Teaching and says choosing this career path is ‘one of the best decisions I ever made’.
She is a former journalist but decided to switch two years ago and undertook the necessary training.
Currently, teachers are on the frontline of the Covid pandemic, setting work for hom-schooled pupils as well as in the classroom with the children of other keyworkers.
Lissa, a language teacher, said: “Deciding to train as a teacher is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
“I’ll never regret the career I had before as it taught me a lot, and the life experience I gained has been invaluable to bring into the classroom.
“Of course making the jump can seem daunting at first, especially coming from a completely different career, but if you think about what you want out of life and what you want to give back, it’s all worth it.
“Shaping the lives of the next generation is a huge privilege, providing you with a sense of purpose that’s unrivalled and that’s been made even more poignant over the past year.
“I finish every day knowing I’ve made a difference to the lives of my students, from the lightbulb moments when a child understands a concept to helping sixth formers make their university choices.”
Research by Get Into Teaching, following a survey of 2,400 people, suggests 2021 is a year many plan a career shake-up as one was not possible in 2020.
And that more workers are looking for a job that helps others.
Lissa added: “I would urge anyone thinking about a career move to considering teaching, it’s a role you can bring so much to and one that will reward you in equal measure.”
For more information visit www.getintoteaching. education.gov.uk.