Ben Slater

"I had a lot to learn about teaching and God's purposes for me through it."

What led you into becoming a teacher?

On leaving university, I got some sound advice from my parents and from a wise woman at church. They suggested that I think about the roles and tasks I had really enjoyed over the years and then look at careers that include these elements. As I thought about it I realised that what had really given me a buzz was the youth work that I had done. More specifically, it was the process of working with young people who, when faced with a craft or physical activity said, "I can't do this!", yet when you had gone through the steps with them, they were able to say, "I can do this now and I can do it by myself!". Several career paths beckoned, but a PGCE with a placement in France and a bursary was too good to turn down.

Would you describe this process as a calling or vocation?

I consider that I've "grown" into my calling as a teacher. Just like many of the high profile characters in the Bible are pretty raw material in the beginning (Joseph is a spoiled brat, Gideon is a timid nobody and Moses is a murderer and refugee), I also had a lot to learn about teaching and God's purposes for me through it. Through teaching, God was able to change a lot of my attitudes, habits and preconceptions: I had a lot of corners that needed knocking off!

What are the challenges and rewards of being a Christian teacher?

I've been teaching for just over 10 years now and it is a job that I enjoy and that I never get bored of... Although the workload (some mandatory, some self-imposed) is heavy, the days are varied and there is always something to make you smile. Take this exchange for example:

Me: Right! Back to the objective! Let's not go off on a tangent!

O'Neil: What's a tangent sir?

Stevie: Don't you know nothing? (sic) It's a small fruit, like an orange!

I'm not trying to present some "Mary Poppins" image of teaching - the challenges are ever present and no one should be blind to that - but the solutions you find and the changes you can see in situations, your understanding and other people go a long way to providing satisfaction in what you do... A mentor I had boiled it down like this...

"It's hard work for above average pay. Oh, and see that child over there? You may change their life for the better and at the very least you can bet that you are one of the most constant things in their life."

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

Teaching is a responsibility with all its weight and frustrations, but it is also a privilege with all its highs and life affirming moments. Look at your gifts, talk to wise people, pray to God, think about your passions, don't worry about not being the finished article and make some decisions!

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

Although I'm adding it on at the end of this interview faith is not an add-on to our work. Rather how we work is an expression of our faith and being Christ-like in all areas of our lives means that Christ not only comes to work with us, but that we ARE Christ in that place of work. It's not simply about what difference Christ makes to me a teacher. Christ IS the difference. Full stop.