FOLLOWING a successful start in bringing more newly-qualified teachers into Bradford, Bradford For Teaching is shedding light on some of the teachers who have come through the campaign to boost education in the district.

The first teacher is Dale Hawker, who teaches Year 6 at Eastwood Community School in Keighley.

What made you decide to be a teacher?

"The ability to make a real difference in a child’s life is a unique and precious opportunity. Being able to impact children’s futures was something that I always wanted to be involved in due to my own positive experiences at school, and teaching was the most direct way to do this.

"I wanted to become a teacher because you are able to witness social and educational improvements in your pupils and this an extremely rewarding experience. As the saying goes, ‘children are the future’, and teachers have the privilege and responsibility to be the ones to shape them."

What is your proudest achievement since you have been teaching?

"My proudest moment was when a parent of one of my pupils told me that for the first time ever, his son truly enjoyed reading. The parent told me that he would often hear his son reading a bedtime story to his baby sister which made me feel very emotional!

"It was lovely to hear that I was making an impact outside of the school gates."

What is the most challenging aspect to teaching?

"I find it difficult to switch off. As a teacher, you are constantly trying to find new ways to tailor your lessons to the needs of your pupils.

"Sometimes you doubt what you’ve done and worry that you could have approached things differently. Did my children enjoy the lesson? Have they made progress? What could I have done better? There’s always room for improvement and that can be overwhelming."

Who was your favourite teacher and why when you were at school?

"Mr Fletcher, my old PE teacher. He devoted care and attention to everyone he taught, inspired his students to challenge themselves, and went above and beyond by creating out-of-school athletic opportunities for pupils who may not have had the chance otherwise.

"He earned the respect of every pupil he taught through his dedication and left a fantastic sporting legacy in the community: a true legend."

What advice would you give someone wanting to get into teaching?

"Any experience is good experience. Volunteer in a school setting as much as possible before you start to apply for teaching placements.

"Communicate with children from all different age groups and walks of life, and observe them in different school settings. Speak with a variety of different members of teaching staff and make sure to secure a good subject knowledge as well."

What do you do for fun in the school holidays?

"A huge advantage of being a teacher is the holidays. During my time off I like to travel and experience new cultures and I also enjoy going to live music festivals. I try to keep busy so that I have something interesting to report back to my pupils!"

Tell us about the funniest thing that has happened to you as a teacher?

"Bumping into students while I’m in the supermarket and their sudden realisation that I am a normal human that exists outside the classroom."

What qualities do you look for in a good teacher?

"A good teacher is someone who is passionate about their role as an educator and who understands the importance of their role in a child’s life. They should be eager to go the extra mile for their pupils and must be dedicated to inspiring a love of learning.

"A good teacher must be able to critically reflect on their own practice in order to maximise the potential of their pupils. They must also be empathetic, patient, caring and should possess all the other qualities of a good role model."