Name: Aamir Hassan

Teacher at: Beckfoot

Subject: English

What made you decide to be a teacher?

A few things. I really wanted to inspire and motivate young people! I wanted them to believe anything was possible and they can achieve great things. I also have a huge love of literature so pairing these things together made perfect sense.

What is your proudest achievement since you have been teaching?

That’s a very difficult question because you have special and magical moments all the time. Some of the proudest moments have come in the form of letters and cards from students telling me how much I had made a difference, inspired them or changed their lives. It’s extremely humbling and emotional; it makes it all worth it!

What is the most challenging aspect to teaching?

The most challenging aspect of teaching is the high demand to be able to do a million things at once, it is super intense! You have to balance so much in a lesson as well as meeting the emotional needs of every student. The great thing is I am super lively and enthusiastic, as some of my students say, ‘too excited to teach’.

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

Go and visit as many schools as possible and see a range of classes and students. Ask lots of questions and know that it is going to be tough and you really must care about the students if you are going to go into teaching.

What do you do for fun in the school holidays?

I love to travel. My husband and I always try to get away whenever we can through my holidays so we can experience new and exciting things! I love to read, write and catch up with myself. The break is important for teachers to unwind and refresh.

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

That is hard to pinpoint! From accidentally saying rude things in front of the students to trying to fight a teacher in an inflatable gladiator challenge…something ridiculous is always going on!

What qualities do you look for in a good teacher?

Someone who really, truly and deeply cares about the futures of the students. A great role model who wants to inspire and can see the potential in young people. Also, a person who is understanding and pushes young people to reach their full potential.