Hannah Jones

I applied for my role because it is a British school and following the National Curriculum for England. I could also complete my NQT year straight away which was a huge bonus, as you cannot do this in all international schools. Since joining my school, I have had many opportunities. I was a Middle Leader for 3 years (mathematics lead), ECT mentor and now a Senior Leader.

My current role is Assistant Headteacher. My main responsibility is overseeing Key Stage One. I do not have my own class, however I teach mostly every day and have a heavy involvement with lesson planning and delivery. I oversee the curriculum and pastoral elements of the Key Stage. I also deliver staff training on a weekly basis and deliver regular parent workshops, which we call ‘Keeping up with the kids’.

I love the fact that I work with families from all over the world – you get to experience so much culture and it really opens your eyes to how vast the world is. I also love the fact that I get to impact whole school changes such as curriculum and teaching and learning development. Every year, we have an ‘International Day’ where students bring in food from their home country and dress in their national dress. We have a huge parade around the school and have different international events happening throughout the day. Every year, this day makes me feel so emotional because it is truly the most amazing day celebrating all the uniqueness we have in our school. I would 100% recommend working in an international school. The work life balance has allowed me to further my career with other degrees, as well as progressing in my current role. My advice would be, if you’re thinking about it, just take the leap and give it a try.

Since joining the school I have completed a Masters degree in Educational Leadership and am currently studying for my PhD in Education and Social Justice. My leaders have always empowered me to be the best I can be and have always encouraged me to further my career. I was in my third year of teaching when I was offered a Middle Leadership position, which may seem really early, but I was guided and supported so well throughout that time that it never felt too early or that I was underprepared. I learned so many invaluable lessons during my middle leadership time that I will take with me as I move forward in my career.

I eventually want to end up working in universities teaching about pedagogy and curriculum because this is where my passion lies. My current role will prepare me for this because it involves me leading training sessions for staff every week on curriculum, teaching and learning, pedagogy and pastoral. I would also like to work in school improvement, so I am currently looking to get a qualification for that. In any teaching role you will face curriculum and government pressures as well as pressures you put on yourself. Being a teacher is so challenging in a range of ways, but I honestly believe it is the best job in the world. I overcome the challenges because I remind myself why I’m here – to make a difference in Education.