Name: Katie Paine

Teacher at: Belle Vue Girls Academy

Subject: Maths

What made you decide to be a teacher?

During sixth form I coached gymnastics and multi-skill sports which sparked a passion for working with young people. I studied maths and finance at Manchester University, achieving a first-class degree. I initially planned to pursue a career in the finance sector, but I knew that my heart was pulling me towards teaching. It seemed to be the perfect career to combine my love of maths and education, whilst fulfilling a desire to make a positive impact in my local community.

What is your proudest achievement since you have been teaching? 

Teaching is full of moments of feeling pride. It can be the everyday moments where a lesson goes really well and all the pupils make great progress, to watching pupils receive outstanding exam results that they’ve worked so hard for. I’m particularly proud that I organise a yearly maths challenge competition between the four secondary schools in the BDAT. This allows students from diverse schools to work together. It is a great experience for all the pupils involved and it is now into its 3rd year. It’s really rewarding to be able to raise the profile of maths in such a positive way.

What is the most challenging aspect to teaching? 

Switching off can be a challenge. Teaching isn’t a job that you leave behind at the end of the day. There is a lot of time spent planning and marking, worrying and self-doubt. It’s definitely not restricted to school hours.  Ultimately you want to help every student achieve the very best they can. 

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

Teaching will be challenging and frustrating, but if you enter teaching for the right reasons it will bring you sparks of joy every day. The cliché, ‘those who can, do; those who can’t, teach,’ couldn’t be further from the truth. Spend some time in schools around the area; immerse yourself into the amazing teaching that takes place across the city. You’ll soon know if it’s the career for you.

What do you do for fun in the school holidays? 

There is always some time spent on planning, but I try to spend as much time as possible relaxing. I like to read a good book, go shopping and meet with friends and family. I always take a trip to Ireland during the summer holidays to see my grandad. 

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

I was once teaching a Year 10 set how to use scale drawings. They had a scale drawing of a giraffe. One pupil put her hand up and asked, “how big are the eggs that giraffes lay?” I was astounded at the fact she thought giraffes laid eggs, but as I began to imagine the size of a ‘giraffe egg’ I got a case of the giggles, which became contagious across the class. I had to send myself out to calm down!

What qualities do you look for in a good teacher?

Adaptability is key. Something that worked really well last year may not work with a different set of pupils; a lesson can fall apart if you’re not able to adjust for the needs within your classroom. You should always aspire for the very best for your pupils and for yourself. It’s not a job where you can become complacent. Every good teacher is passionate and dedicated, but they retain their own unique style and personality.