THE next teacher to be featured in the Meet the Teacher series is Louise Morgan, who teaches English at Beckfoot Upper Heaton.

Mrs Morgan came to Bradford through the Bradford for Teaching campaign, which aims to bring more new teachers into the district.

Hi Louise, what made you decide to be a teacher?

“When I was at junior school, I had no confidence. I was like a little mouse who was making no progress at school.

“I remember not being allowed to write in pen when everyone else was. It was a hugely demotivating experience for me; I felt I had been written off.

“As luck would have it, we moved house – which meant a new school. As soon as I walked in I was handed a pen. Needless to say, after that I excelled. My confidence was boosted as I saw that my teachers had faith in me.

“I wanted to be that teacher who believes in my pupils. No child should ever feel like they can’t do something.”

READ: Here is last week's Meet the Teacher with Tanzina Gore

What is your proudest achievement since you have been teaching?

“I have many proud moments; it would be hard to pick only one.

“Currently I teach a class of Year 11 who came to me in Year 10 with no confidence, and low results. One year in, they are now excelling and are a message to all pupils that if you work hard enough and believe in yourself, you really can do amazing things.”

What is the most challenging aspect to teaching?

“The tiredness. Teaching can be exhausting, the energy that goes into controlling a full class of pupils, along with delivering the best lesson you can really takes it out of you.

“I admit I am pretty lively and could, perhaps, tone it down a little, but the kids love the lively and energetic atmosphere in my classroom.

"Sometimes I will need an early night for every night of the week, it just depends on what each week brings.”

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

“I didn't really have a favourite teacher. I liked all of my teachers.

“I had a lot of respect for my tutor, Mr. Beaumont. He was really approachable and was an amazing biology teacher too.”

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

“Go into some schools and see what it is like. Ask to see the most challenging classes and the best teachers.

“Speak to plenty of teachers about their experiences. Get a job as a teaching assistant. “Look around schools in Bradford – there are some amazing developments in our schools – and we want great teachers.”

What do you do for fun in the school holidays?

“In the holidays I have to set time aside to work. Even though teachers get holidays, it is often used for catching up on marking and planning, or getting on top of marking exam mocks or assessments.

“When I do get time, I love to spend it with my children and husband. I have a beautiful Golden Retriever and black Labrador, so I get some exercise walking them.

“For a real treat we pop down to Wales. I love it there.”

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

“I am not sure it was funny at the time but I can laugh about it now.

“I booked a Shakespeare company to come to the school to perform and run a workshop. I then completely forgot.

“So one day, a group of actors arrived ready to use the school’s facilities (which had not been booked), to perform to a group of pupils (who did not know).

“It was a bit of a job sorting it but a colleague helped me arrange using the sports hall, and they performed to another year group. The theatre company were extremely accommodating when they were greeted with my panic-stricken face.”

What qualities do you look for in a good teacher?

“A good teacher needs to be honest, open and approachable. Humility is also important.

“Children deserve a teacher who tries to understand them, and genuinely cares.

“It is essential for teachers to have respect for the pupils in their class if they expect respect in return. No power-trippers.

“Lessons need to be engaging and fun, put yourself in the kids’ shoes – would you want to sit down and be talked at for six hours a day?”

For more information about the Bradford for Teaching campaign, visit bradfordteaching.org