What led you into becoming a teacher?

I knew it was something I should do from the age of 16 but changed my mind a lot. I didn't feel ready at 22 after college and didn't feel much of a sense of direction. However, I definitely wanted to work with young people, so I guess I spent most of my 20s trying out other jobs before finding the right one!

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

Definitely. Looking back I can say that everything I've ever done has been preparation for this and there's a sense of a guiding hand or fundamental purpose to it all. Basically it feels like it fits. I did sense some kind of calling as a teenager in my local church, but it was very vague and people around me expected that it would develop into full time church ministry. For a time I did too, but didn't really want it to - it seemed something I wasn't cut out for. I definitely feel more fulfilled in this role than any other I've had.

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

My style is very 'active' and I try to make everything we study as relevant to their circumstances as possible. I remember one student telling me how he would go away and think about my lessons long after they had finished. I've organised social events for my tutor group and established fundraising initiatives in school. I use students in lessons to teach others and have taken some to make presentations at conferences. I take care over making sure each student is catered for with lessons and learning materials, and I aim for my reports to be as personal and encouraging as possible. Also, I think it's important to challenge students where necessary, in theirs and others' best interests.

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

It makes me believe in what I do and that the work I am doing lasts a lifetime - whether it's good or not! I feel a sense of responsibility to the people I work with and it encourages me to take a long term view of issues, and that the values and ethos we work within have to benefit the whole school community.

Has being a Christian made any difference to your relationships with other staff?

I believe staff should find the Christians they work with to be good support for them and for them to take a lead in being as good a teacher as possible.

For example, I often help people with putting together assemblies. I think this is more to do with my being a Christian than head of RE! Sometimes you can be a bit conscious of being an advert for Christianity - I think you need to resist this - as you've got to be yourself. This paradoxically can help show Christianity in its best light.

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

Do it, get on with it. And don't just teach RE because you're a believer, make sure you're qualified and really want to do it.

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

The two are inseparable; it's the most natural occupation for a Christian to take up.