Making the transition into teaching;
Hollie Joy
What did you do before becoming a teacher?
I've done a bit of everything; entertainment, retail, insurance and banking. I worked as an entertainer and manager on various Haven holiday parks for 8 years before deciding to settle down and get a 'regular' job. I started in retail as a supervisor for H. Samuel, before moving to be an associate manager for Build-A-Bear Workshop. I then relocated and took a position as an insurance business retention agent for Lloyds Banking Group, before moving on to a customer-facing role with Halifax.
What inspired you to get into teaching?
I realised that I was doing jobs rather than having a career. I would get bored of them and move on to something different or more challenging. Teaching would give me the opportunity to work with children, which is something I have always loved, and to be able to do something worthwhile and actually make a difference. It would be a career I was proud to tell people I had.
How has Transition to Teach supported you so far?
Transition to Teach has been very helpful for advice in situations that have felt difficult (which will more than likely happen in your training year - but it's great to know that the support is there for you) as well as running workshops to meet other trainees and get practical guidance. My Guidance and Development Adviser (GDA) also gave me excellent pointers for my personal statement when applying for jobs, as well as interview coaching - I was offered an interview for every job I applied for because of this, and have now secured a position for September.
Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
I would like to be a head of year or department.
Finally, sum up your experience for us!
It's definitely been a challenge, especially with having a family at home, but it has been an amazing learning experience and has been very rewarding on a personal and professional level.