Teach-Primary-Issue-19.2

Q A & 1 What is your idea of perfect happiness in your job? Perfect happiness in my job is the knowledge that I have had an impact on a child’s personal development and that they leave our school prepared to be a citizen of the world; whether that’s holding the door open for others, making someone smile or speaking up. We spend a minimum of six hours a day with the children in our schools, and between the curriculum, pastoral care, extracurricular activities and the interactions we have, there are countless opportunities to shape their character. Seeing them grow into confident and responsible individuals is the most rewarding part of my job. 2 What is your greatest fear at work? Teaching a book I haven’t read beforehand! In my first job as a children’s librarian, I had to have a good working knowledge of our books and an understanding of each genre and style. This helps me to recommend reads for children. I also enjoy planning the places where I stop the reading to ask a question or create a cliffhanger. My mouth went dry typing those sentences, it is a genuine fear! 3 What is your current state of mind? Right now, I’m in a space of listening and learning. In my Trust, we have nine nurseries and are thinking comprehensively about early excellence in English to ensure all can succeed in writing. I am in the process of writing the associated long- and medium-term plans, which involves listening and taking stock of current practice, 7 What do you consider your greatest teaching achievement? I think it has to be being a visible leader who is hard of hearing. I wear bilateral hearing aids and in the last year, my hearing levels dropped frommild-moderate hearing loss, to moderate-severe on both sides. This has presented a huge challenge, as there was a time when my hearing aids needed repairing and I had to rely on others to be my ears. Fortunately, I have always worked with incredibly supportive people and the children are fantastic at championing inclusion. It has reinforced the importance of creating belonging for all in our schools. 8 What is your most treasured teaching possession? When I was training to teach, my mentor gifted me a special box from Paperchase with instructions to fill it with letters, cards or mementos so that I can revisit them time and time again. Sometimes it’s nice to reach for a cup of herbal tea and a pair of slippers, and reminisce on the highlights of the last 10 years. gathering feedback from educators and researching best practice in English. It is a privilege to work closely with children and educators across our Trust, plus, they keep me on my toes with their energy and jokes! 4 What do you consider the most overrated teacher virtue? The need for perfectionism and accuracy, particularly when teaching English. It is crucial to the learning process in reading and writing to acknowledge that there is not always one answer. That is the beauty of the subject. Multiple perspectives are important in the classroom, as they encourage children to think deeply about their own opinions. It also helps to reduce the fear of being ‘wrong’. 5 On what occasion do you lie to your class? I usually have to lie when there is a wasp or bee in the classroom. I have, however, mastered the art of removing said insects with a cup without disrupting the lesson. I usually tell the children I am, ‘checking something outside’ or ‘making a quick cup of tea’... 6 Which words or phrases do you most overuse with your class? I decided to ask the children, and this is what they said: “Have you included a full stop? A conjunction? A capital letter?” “Team stop.” “Right, off you go.” “Wow, listen to this…” Usually when I am reading work aloud. “Ooh, I love that book!” We take the famous Proust questionnaire and pose eight of its questions to a fellow educator. Take a peek into the deepest depths of a teacher’s soul... 98 | www.teachwire.net F EATURE S BACK PAGE NAME: Holly Dyson JOB ROLE: Deputy headteacher and director of English at Inspire Partnership Multi Academy Trust EXTRA INFO: Member of The English Association, former children’s librarian, and avid reader