Early Education and Career Aspirations

My journey began at King William’s College (KWC), where I earned a drama scholarship and completed my iGCSEs. Instead of choosing A-levels, I opted for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma because it offered a more holistic education. I studied a diverse range of subjects, including Mathematics, French (Ab Initio), English, Sports Science, Geography, and Theatre, which fostered my love for interdisciplinary learning. The IB’s emphasis on volunteering and independent study suited me well and prepared me for future academic pursuits. I also greatly enjoyed the diverse range of extracurricular activities at KWC, and this was where my love for cross country and athletics began, and I was inspired by some of my excellent P.E teachers.

From an early age, I had my sights set on becoming a teacher. My people-oriented nature and experience helping younger students in primary school inspired me to pursue this goal. At around 14, I gained hands-on experience during a week-long placement at St. John's Primary School, which further fuelled my passion for education.

Academic Pursuits and Early Career

Initially, I was drawn to primary education, but my interests shifted towards Geography during sixth form. Inspired by my Geography teachers and the practical fieldwork involved, I decided to pursue a Geography degree. I chose Durham University for it's academic rigour, but also for its strong community feel, which reminded me of home in the Isle of Man. My course explored Education Studies and Geography, examining education systems globally and politically, along with social and cultural aspects of Geography, culminating in a dissertation that bridged both fields. I thrived in Durham’s collegiate system, enjoying the close-knit community and various student activities, such as rowing, cheerleading and musical theatre.

Transition to Teaching

In my second year at Durham, I attended a student recruitment fair and discovered Teach First, an organisation focused on addressing educational inequality. Intrigued by their mission and the opportunity to teach while training, I applied for their secondary school scheme. After a rigorous assessment process in London, I secured a place to teach Geography in Greater Manchester.

Moving from the safe, small environments of the Isle of Man and Durham to the bustling, diverse city of Manchester was a significant adjustment. The transition was challenging as I had to quickly adapt to managing classroom behaviour and the fast-paced demands of teaching alongside my studies. Despite these difficulties, I successfully completed their summer institute and began working full-time at Co-op Academy Failsworth in September 2018.

Professional Growth and New Challenges

Teach First’s ethos of reducing educational inequality resonated deeply with me. During my four years at Co-op Academy Failsworth, I developed a wide range of skills, whilst training on the job, from curriculum development to leading extracurricular activities like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the John Muir Award, and an environmental education club. My dedication to professional development led me to pursue a master’s degree in Leadership in Learning from the University of Manchester, which I completed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Seeking new challenges, I applied for a promotion and moved to Oasis Academy Oldham (OAO), in September 2022. In February 2023 I began my National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development at the National Institute of Teaching, where I was recruited the following year to facilitate their Early Career Teacher (ECT) programme. As a Lead Practitioner of Humanities at OAO, I took on a middle leadership role, mentoring novice teachers and leading professional development for the humanities team and our ECTs. Building relationships and navigating the responsibilities of leadership in a new school environment was initially daunting but ultimately rewarding. Working in such a diverse and vibrant school, with so many inspiring teachers working towards a common goal was incredibly motivating.

Returning to the Isle of Man

In January 2024, after a significant life change and feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of my lifestyle in the UK, I decided it was time to return to the Isle of Man. The pressures of commuting, long workdays, and being away from family had taken a toll, prompting me to resign and seek a reset at home. The decision was not easy, but I knew I needed a break to recharge and reassess my life goals.

Back on the Island, I rediscovered my appreciation for its beauty and tight-knit community. Living in the Peak District had restored my love for running and the outdoors, and I wanted to bring that passion back home. I decided to set up a running group, the Isle of Man Maverick Run Project, to connect with like-minded individuals and rebuild my social circle.

Setting Up the Run Club

Starting a running club was one of the best decisions I made upon returning. It began with a simple idea: to bring people together and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Man. I reached out to the local community through social media and word of mouth, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. We began meeting every Wednesday at different locations, and the group quickly grew from a handful of runners to180 members in our app, with around 10-20 people joining each weekly run.

The run club has not only helped me make new friends but also reinforced the sense of community I sometimes missed while living in the UK. The camaraderie and mutual support among the members have been incredible. People have been so generous, lending me gear for trail running and triathlons, and sharing tips and encouragement. It’s been heartwarming to see how welcoming and supportive the outdoor community is here.

Looking Ahead

My journey reflects a deep commitment to education and personal growth. My experience with Teach First and subsequent leadership roles equipped me with a robust set of skills and a passion for fostering educational development. Now, back in the Isle of Man, I am exploring teaching opportunities, and currently am working at Ballakermeen High School, but have secured a permanent post at Castle Rushen High School as a Geography teacher, starting next academic year. My story is a testament to the importance of finding balance and the supportive power of community, especially for young professionals seeking to make meaningful contributions in their field.

Being home has given me a renewed perspective on the importance of work-life balance and the value of community support. I am grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with my roots and look forward to contributing to the educational landscape here, while enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities that the Isle of Man has to offer.