FOR some people, such as Charlotte Millea, teaching is a life calling.

Ms Millea, assistant headteacher and nursery teacher at Delius Special School, is the latest to be featured in Bradford for Teaching’s Meet the Teacher campaign.

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

“As soon as I started school, I wanted to be a teacher. I would sit my dolls on the carpet and pretend to take the register.

“I thought about some other career options, but always went back to the idea of teaching. I love to interact with people and to be creative, so it’s the perfect job for me.”

What is your proudest achievement since you have been teaching?

“Getting my first teaching job was a defining moment. Since then I have had some huge career highlights, visiting and speaking in Westminster, being involved with Bradford For Teaching and being at Delius Special School from day one.

“The biggest moments of pride though, are when there is a breakthrough for a child and you know that you have been part of the team that’s helped a child to make progress.”

What is the most challenging aspect to teaching?

“Teachers, want to do the best for their children, all of the time. This can be exhausting as unlike other some other jobs, there is no cut off.

“There is always another aspect of what you’re doing which you know could make things even better. However, when you do start to see the differences that you have made, it’s amazing – that’s why teachers can be workaholics.”

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

“I had a few brilliant teachers along the way! In secondary school I had an English teacher, Mr Neal.

“He was inspiring as he still encouraged our playfulness, imagination and creativity; something I had really missed since leaving primary school.”

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

“Make sure you have the opportunity to explore a range of year groups and settings.

“I had always wanted to be a year six teacher. Thankfully, before I started university, I did some voluntary work in a nursery, and realised I loved the Early Years.

“My current role of nursery teacher in a special school is different to what I had initially thought I would want to do, but it’s my dream job.”

What do you do for fun in the school holidays?

“I make the most of spending quality time with my little boy. We love being outside and are currently working our way through the ‘50 things to do before you’re five’.

“We love going on journeys to new places; we’ve got Blackpool zoo on our list for the next holidays.

“I love catching up with friends and family who I don’t get to see as much during term time. A simple pleasure is having my evenings to read a book or watch TV, without thinking about my to do list.”

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

“I’m renowned in school for being ambitious with my plans. A few years ago I wanted to take my class of wheelchair users to Shibden Park.

“When I said that I wanted to go on the boating lake, there were a few gasps and looks of horror. The risk assessment was thorough. We did a practise run involving role playing getting a child on and off the boat.

“The day came and even the staff were wearing lifejackets for the very shallow water. The only thing that we hadn’t planned for was that none of us could row a boat.

“Thankfully we had been driven to the park by a very kind driver who obliged. This could also count as one of my proudest achievements – you can just imagine the children’s faces.”

What qualities do you look for in a good teacher?

“Teaching is the best job in the world, but it’s hard work. So on a practical level, teachers need to be motivated, resilient and have a good sense of humour to keep them going.

“For the children and families, the best teachers are patient, creative, warm and passionate about making a difference.”