Andy Langton

"I believe that my work is being viewed by God and that I am serving Him and serving others around me."

What led you into becoming a teacher?

I started work at 18 and felt that I was constantly the victim of bad on-the-job training. I believed people deserved better and that made me think about becoming a teacher. At the same time my experiences of church groups provided me with good role models of people with teaching gifts. I was also developing a huge thirst for knowledge and had come to value learning as I never had before. I was 'learning how to learn' and wanted to share and discuss what I had learned with anyone around. This thirst for knowledge and growth I believe came from God.

Would you describe this process as a calling or a vocation?

I believe that when someone becomes a Christian, they step into God's plan for their lives. In retrospect, I can see the events of my life leading to my decision to apply to do a PGCE as being part of God's plan for my life and a 'calling' to be a teacher.

In what ways do you think you have made a difference to the lives of your pupils?

There have been many opportunities to make a difference in people's lives during my time as a teacher. I have always shared my belief in prayer with pupils and have prayed for pupils as well as their families. Also, I attempt to foster spiritual development in all subjects: for example the wonder of the systems of the human body in Science, or the wonder of human potential and beauty in Sport.

What difference do you think being a Christian has made to the sort of teacher that you are?

I am not the type of person who just wants to go to work, do the job and earn the money to fund a nice, comfortable Christian lifestyle. Neither do I want to be a teacher who only strives to get good exam results. Although it is important to work hard and teach pupils well, to give them opportunities to develop in many ways and to increase their self-esteem - as a Christian I am most concerned with their spiritual and/or faith development. So, for example, I try to reflect God's values in my handling of pupil behaviour. Each morning, in my personal prayer time, I pray for my class - sometimes individuals by name, for my colleagues and for myself in being an effective teacher.

Can you describe any ways in which being a Christian has helped you cope with the challenges of teaching today?

Because I am a Christian, I believe that my work is being viewed by God and that I am serving Him and serving others around me. This helps me deal with the pressures of workload, challenging children and awkward parents or colleagues.

Could you use one sentence to sum up what it means to you to be a Christian teacher?

For me, to be a Christian teacher is to have been given the rewarding experience of being and doing what God has gifted and enabled me to be in His plan for my life, for His glory and for the salvation of others.