Becca Johnson – Year 3 Classroom Teacher at Springhead Park Primary School

Becca Johnson has been part of the successful team at Springhead Park Primary School since it opened in September 2020, and is now a Year 3 Classroom Teacher, having joined as a Teaching Assistant.

What was your route to education?

“I began my career as a teaching assistant (TA) when I joined Springhead Park Primary School in September 2020. I had just graduated from university, and I began working here when the school first opened which was really exciting.

“I mentioned that I had been thinking about moving into teaching, and our headteacher, Wayne, was very supportive and pointed me in the direction of the training course to become a qualified teacher.

“Thanks to the encouragement and support of the school, I started my training in September 2021. I achieved my qualified teacher status with Schools Direct, which is an employment-based route into teaching and allowed me to keep earning whilst I got my qualifications. Now, I am an ECT (early careers teacher) in my second year, and I teach Year 3.”

What made you decide to become a professional teacher?

“I was getting a lot of enjoyment out of being a teaching assistant; everyday was different and the job was so varied. It felt like the natural next step and the prospect of becoming a teacher excited me.”

Please tell me a little bit about your progression at Springhead Park Primary School?

“My first year at Springhead Park Primary School was as a TA. Then in September 2021, I started training and teaching, so I was learning on the job. At this point, I was working in the school four days out of five, and on the other day I had training at the university.

“During that time, I had a Year 4 class. For the first couple of terms, I was teamed with a mentor, and we shared the class. Over time, I took on more responsibility and by the end of the year, I led the class. Even during this time, my mentor would pop to check in on me, so that I wasn’t on my own and had support on hand if I needed it.”

What are the most enjoyable elements of your job?

“The little wins with the children, seeing them happy and excited about small things. Witnessing and supporting them to progress, whether it be a big or small achievement, such as learning to tie their shoelaces or learning how to write a letter properly brings such joy.

“I also like being busy and always having something to do. I really feel like I have purpose with this role.”

What are the most challenging elements of your job?

“As a teacher, you want to be able to do everything with the children and bring all your ideas to life, but you are limited by how much time you have and so prioritising is key. There are also other responsibilities outside of the classroom such as assessment and report deadlines that you have to balance alongside teaching.”

How are you supported in your role, by both Springhead Park and The Primary First Trust, to deal with these challenges?

“The school is adaptive, and the senior leadership team really tries to help you. If things feel overwhelming, they are helpful in giving you some time, sitting you down, and helping you prioritise your work.

“The Trust also offers wellbeing days; you get one wellbeing day a year which is helpful. This year, I have been able to get my birthday off and make a long weekend of it, which is really nice. Last year, I booked my wellbeing day to complete my driving test, and it was nice to be able to do it on my time, rather than spend a weekend doing it.”

How does The Primary First Trust support your professional development?

“They offer staff development days across the Trust. Last year they had different teachers from different schools all running sessions on ‘how to’, for different topics. So, it was an opportunity to share best practice across the Trust, and you had the chance to learn from other teachers, which is always useful. So, I went to a CPD session on dyslexia, which was very good and helped me improve my own understanding and therefore my teaching.

“When I was completing my training, the Trust was also very helpful and flexible. I did my placement at another PFT school, and our Education Director, Lorna Hamilton, ensured that the school I went to, Wayfield Primary School, I could travel to easily, as I couldn’t drive at the time. It’s small, thoughtful practices like that which add up to create a wonderful and considerate workplace.”

Do you have any advice for people who want to get into primary education?

“It is both worthwhile and enjoyable. Of course, there are unexpected challenges, but every day you feel like you have purpose and that you are making a difference. Even the little achievements of the children you teach feel like big milestones, and make you feel proud to be a teacher.”