Rachel Atkins

"There are very few careers that allow you to have so much contact and influence in the lives of others."

How does being a Christian make what you do as a teacher different?

I suppose one key way is the way I teach. Teaching Geography means I focus a lot on the world and its current situation. I think it's really important that pupils understand the fragile balance of life and the planet. The problem is that this can become pretty pessimistic; my grandfather used to describe the TV as the 'black box of despair'. When teaching I often pray that a little of 1 Thessalonians 1:3 is true 'We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.'

How does your faith influence your relationships with your pupils?

When I did a week's work experience in a school I thrived on the contact with so many people. Teaching is all about relationships with students. Probably the most important thing for me is to build a sense of hope and value in each child. It is so easy for them to succumb to the celebrity culture; but I am in a position where I can challenge that. I don't think I should be neutral on values like this. There is a lot of truth in the phrase that 'standing for nothing you can fall for anything'. I remember once when I was reading a Christian book on a school field trip and one pupil noticed it and asked me what sin was. Its questions like that that only get asked if a Christian is there in the first place.

Can you tell us about one of the memorable moments from your career?

I once had a really difficult person in my form, who, in truth scared me. I struggled a lot with that; I even cried about it with another Christian teacher. At the end of my two years with the form, I had one-to-one interviews with every person in the form. This student told me that I had gained their respect through challenging their behaviour and developing a relationship they felt could be relied on. The whole form even bought me a present of a ride in a hot-air balloon. They had, apparently, discussed buying me a sky dive as they thought it would suit a geography teacher; I was glad they opted for the balloon! What really struck me was not the actual present but the thought that had gone into planning it. This person who was difficult had shown they could think of others.

Have there been any real learning experiences for you?

Lots, but one in particular that is worth sharing. While I was training, one of my supervisors never seemed to be positive about my lessons or ideas. I was really disheartened because I knew I wanted to be a teacher - and the school was tough enough without this discouragement. I really needed her support. Later, my university tutor observed me teaching the same lesson with another class. On her suggestion, I wrote the ideas up to be included in a journal. When my article was published, it helped to teach me the importance of believing that we can overcome barriers.

What would you say to a Christian who was thinking about going into teaching?

Go for it! There are very few careers which allow you to have so much contact and influence in the lives of others.