Finding my place in education (it wasn’t what I expected)

Why I chose Middlesex

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. When it came to choosing a uni, Middlesex stood out because of how practical and hands-on the course was compared to others. It wasn’t just about theory… it was about preparing you for the real classroom.

Looking back, that’s exactly what made the difference.

Learning to teach (beyond the lecture theatre)

One of the things I loved most about studying my course (BA Primary Education with QTS) is how hands-on it was. We weren’t just told how to teach; we actually experienced the kinds of lessons we’d deliver ourselves. From Geography and Music to Maths and Art, we weren’t just learning what to teach, we were learning how to bring lessons to life.

If you’re studying now, make a little bank of ideas. There will 100% be a day where you’re tired, stuck, and need something engaging… and you’ll be so glad you did. Note down resources and lesson inspiration as you go. You’ll thank yourself later when you need to make learning engaging for a class of 30 very different children.

But the biggest learning curve? Placement.

There’s something about being in a real classroom that you just can’t replicate anywhere else. Every school is different. Every class is different. Every child is different. The more time you spend in that environment, the more confident and adaptable you become. The way Middlesex supported us in finding placements really prepared me for the reality after uni and filled me with confidence for when I stepped into my own classroom.

If I could give one piece of advice here, it would be:

throw yourself into placements.

Ask questions, observe everything, and really pay attention to how teachers manage their time and energy because that’s the part no one really talks about, but it matters so much.

The reality after graduation

Like many graduates, I accepted one of the first full-time roles I was offered after finishing university. It felt like the “right” thing to do… the safe option.

And don’t get me wrong, it was a great experience… but quite quickly I found myself thinking:

Is this the right school for me?

Is this what I want long-term?

After completing my ECT, I decided to try something different and that’s when everything changed.

Why supply teaching completely changed my perspective

I started doing day-to-day supply teaching, and honestly, it was one of the most valuable decisions I’ve made.

It gave me the chance to experience a wide range of schools, year groups, and environments in a short space of time. I wasn’t just developing my teaching skills; I was beginning to realise what actually mattered to me.

Things like:

• School culture
• Leadership style
• Staff support
• Classroom environment

These are things that are hard to fully understand from a single interview.

Through supply teaching, I gained clarity. I built confidence. Funnily enough, I was often offered full-time roles by schools I worked in but this time, I could make a much more informed decision.

It made me realise something important:

You don’t have to rush into your “forever school.”

Finding my place in education

After about six months of supply teaching, I had a bit of a realisation. I didn’t just love teaching; I loved helping other teachers find where they belong.

That’s what led me to join Vibe Teaching.

What I loved straight away was that it didn’t feel like a typical agency. It’s run by teachers, so there’s this real understanding that every teacher is different and every school is too.

Since joining, I’ve worked closely with schools and teachers, managing over 40 schools across North-West London and helping match teachers to schools they can genuinely thrive in. And for me, that’s been such a fulfilling way to stay in education, just in a slightly different way than I first imagined. I still go out and teach in our schools each week so that I can truly understand each school environment and confidently match a teacher to their dream school.

It's shown me that teaching doesn’t have to mean just one thing.

A few things I’d tell my uni self (and you)

If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be this:

• Say yes to opportunities, especially ones that challenge your practice.
• Try different schools, different roles, different environments.
• Don’t feel like you need to have it all figured out straight away because honestly, most people don’t.
• And most importantly… give yourself time to find the right fit.

Because the right school, the right role, and the right path does make such a difference… not just for you, but for the children you’ll go on to teach.

Education needs great teachers but, just as importantly… teachers need the right environment to thrive. Take your time finding yours!