Rachel Plant

"I consider myself to be very privileged to be able to influence the lives of young people."

How would you describe your route into teaching?

As I was nearing the end of my University degree I considered a number of different career options. My favourite was teaching but I felt that I needed some practical experience before I committed myself to this path. I volunteered to travel to Kenya and spend 8 months teaching in a boarding school in the north of the country. Although the living conditions were difficult it was these 8 months that instilled in me a desire to teach. I loved the challenge of capturing a child's imagination and helping them to understand new ideas. I had the opportunity to lead Bible studies with the girls and help them to know more about the God who loves them. This message was all the more meaningful to them as their daily lives outside of school were so incredibly difficult.

These experiences convinced me that teaching was the right career for me, and on my return, I undertook my PGCE.

How has your career progressed since you trained?

I have now taught in schools in Dorset, Hong Kong and Belgrade. This variety of teaching environments has taught me many things about the job including its demands and rewards. In every setting I consider myself to be very privileged to be able to influence the lives of young people.

Are there any special moments for you?

During my first year of teaching in Belgrade I taught a particularly demanding class. One of the children, John*, needed counselling as a result of a particularly difficult background, and another, Peter*, had severe brain damage and needed constant attention. There were also other behavioural difficulties within the group. I found myself having to ask God daily for the strength and patience to deal with this class in a fair and just manner, reflecting God's love for these children. I made mistakes at many points along the way, but there was one moment when, having explained a point to Peter for what felt like the thousandth time, I tried once more in a gentle manner. Upon hearing John turned round and said "Miss, how can you be so nice? Is it because you go to church?"

*These names have been changed to provide anonymity.