Making the transition into teaching;
Dean Fletcher
What did you do before training to teach?
I retired at a young age; I was previously a director of trading and broking at a hedge fund.
What inspired you to get into teaching?
I have been working on and off with children in sport and education for a few years. This experience was very rewarding and I think that my combined experiences will transfer very well into the classroom. As I move into teaching, I think that my numeracy skills, gained from education and a long career in financial markets, will be useful in the classroom. I have been head of a desk of 50 in a high pressure environment, so can easily cope with high stress and pressure levels. I also have very good communication skills.
As you move into teaching, what are you most excited about?
Making a difference to children who perhaps do not value education. I want to enthuse them, not just with the subject of maths, but with the idea of learning to advance oneself.
How has Transition to Teach supported you so far?
Transition to Teach has provided excellent help throughout my subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course. Above all, they have been a constant presence for any doubts I have had about teaching. Always available, and excellent advice.
Where do you see your career in five years' time?
I want to inspire children and colleagues with my experience and enthusiasm. If that means that my career advances through the system towards deputy or headship, then I will welcome those challenges.