THIS week’s Meet the Teacher features returns with a teacher who took a more unusual route into teaching.

The series of interviews is being held in collaboration with Bradford for Teaching, the campaign aiming to bring more newly-qualified teachers to train and work in the Bradford district.

This week features Joanne Crossley, director of English at Hanson School, who became a teacher after a career as a barrister.

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

“My mother was a primary school teacher and I loved going into school with her.

“I used to write plays that they would perform at Christmas. When I graduated from university she persuaded me to try something else so I became a barrister.

“But wanting to be a teacher just never went away and when my mother died I thought: right, I’m going to give it a go.”

What is your proudest achievement since you have been teaching?

“It was when a student gave me a book as a Christmas present.

“It was a much loved and much read copy of a book she had really connected with and I felt very privileged to share that.”

What is the most challenging aspect to teaching?

“Every day is really intense; that’s what makes it exciting but it also makes it exhausting.

“In most jobs you can find some downtime, or take a break when you need it, but school carries on at the same frenetic pace every day.

“Sometimes you have to remind yourself that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

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

“It was my English teacher, Mr Sheedy.

“He was quite scary because he had really high standards and seemed amazingly clever. He regularly took us to the theatre in a dilapidated old school mini bus: we saw the first run of Blood Brother in Liverpool in the 1980s.

“It was clear he wanted the best for all of us. He suggested I apply to the University of Oxford and helped me through the process.

“I will never forget his quiet pride when he took the call in school confirming my place.”

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

“Don’t wait 20 years to make the leap!

“Just try it – visit different types of schools so that you can see for yourself if the reality of teaching is for you.

“Don’t give up if one school puts you off – it may be the school that’s the issue. “

What do you do for fun in the school holidays?

“I read, travel, spend time with my family, and bake - which means that I mostly read and eat cake!”

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

“When we were playing ‘Countdown’ as a literacy exercise in form time and a very rude word was formed by the random letter selection.

“I said the word before I could stop myself. There was no coming back after that!”

What qualities do you look for in a good teacher?

“Someone who is really passionate about two things: 1) their subject; and 2) working with young people.

“You won’t be a success without both of those. Working with young people can be challenging, but also funny, rewarding, motivating and fulfilling.”

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