Teacher of the Year 2001
Everyone, no matter what their age, remembers
their days at school. If you amongst one of the
lucky ones you may also have a few stories to
tell of teachers who have helped and inspired
you along the way. This most certainly must be
the case for pupils at Babington Community Technology
College in Leicester who are taught by Dave Bennett,
Head of Humanities and the award winner for the
National Teacher of the Year 2001. ECIB's Editor
catches up with him and asks him about the highs
and lows of his teaching career.
What made you decide to go into teaching?
At the time I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do, but I thought that another year at University would be good fun and a good chance to play more sport!
So…what made you choose to teach at secondary level?
I figured that I would prefer working with the older students and doing exam work.
What did you enjoy the most about your training?
The best thing about the training was going into school and working with the young people. It made me realise that although I had started on the course not sure whether I wanted to teach that it was definitely what I wanted to do.
"Unlike the other jobs I have done there is never a dull moment."
You've been teaching for over 13 years so do you still enjoy it?
The thing I enjoy most is the interaction with staff and students in lessons, at break-time, lunchtime and on the football or rugby field. Unlike other jobs I have done there is never a dull moment. I also love the challenge of trying to get the least interested of students switched on to RE by coming up with different and creative ways of teaching it.
What are some of the more difficult aspects of your job?
I find the paper work and marking the most frustrating. As long as you remember that the people in education are more important than those things it is alright!
Is the profession in reality any different than what you thought it would be?
I never realised how varied it could be and how busy a day can be. I also never expected to get so much enjoyment and fulfilment from teaching.
Tell me about one of your fondest memories of teaching?
It would be hard to beat winning the National Teacher of the Year. It was amazing how complimentary students were about my work in the College. The highlight of the whole award was when some of the Leicester Tigers Rugby Club surprised me by coming into a whole school assembly and presented me with the award. I was amazed how excited the young people at the school were and I will never forget them all chanting 'Bennett, Bennett'.
Obviously it must have meant a lot to you to be awarded Teacher Of The Year 2001 Award then?
It was a real honour and something special for the whole College and a real celebration of all the good work going on at the College.
What are your hopes for your future career?
I enjoy my classroom teaching and I don't want to move away from that into management. However I do want to be more involved in training other teachers. I do a fair amount of this already in the College I teach in.
What would you say to someone who is considering a career in teaching?
Do it! I personally don't think you can find a more satisfying career!
If you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching for more information visit the TDA website www.canteach.gov.uk or you can view the list of courses available through the UCAS Handbook which is also available online www.ucas.ac.uk
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