Making the transition into teaching;
Katrina Brack
What did you do before becoming a teacher?
I was a customer consultant for a large electrical and telecommunications retailer. I was part of a busy customer service team who worked as a cohesive unit to give outstanding customer service every time. I handled a range of responsibilities from tech support, sales procedures, prioritising issues and complaint handling, dealing with sensitive data, conflict resolution, handling large amounts of money and adapting to ever-changing technology demands.
Which skills from your previous career will be useful in the classroom?
Through working in retail and customer service I have dealt with many unhappy customers and have adapted my skills to be able to ensure I can handle complaints in a respected manner. I feel as though this will greatly benefit me within a classroom setting as I know how to de-escalate a situation rather than make it worse and get to the core of why a pupil may be reacting in a certain way.
I also have very good communication skills as I have worked in a number of different stores and saw many different customers over the years and I had to build a rapport, ensuring that the customer left satisfied. Through doing this I have found what works well and what does not when speaking to others which has helped me both in business and day to day life.
What inspired you to get into teaching?
I was inspired to get into teaching after I discovered how amazing technology can be. I want to be able to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for computing, and to talk about my own experiences and the positive impact that computers have had on my life. I believe technology and computers are our future and young people already have such an advantage from having extensive access to technology from an early age. I want to be able to build on this potential by helping them recognise the skills they have and inspiring them to want to learn and understand more about computing and the integral part it plays in all our futures. Computers are changing the world and young people need the confidence and skills to change and adapt with them.
How has Transition to Teach supported you so far?
I have been supported from the very beginning by Transition to Teach, from initially 'planting the seed' in my head during the application phase, to then assisting with my application and personal statement and relieving me of any doubts and worries. Even now, they are still assisting and supporting me with my assignments and eventually when a placement is allocated, they will support me through that as well.
As you move into teaching, what are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about being able to engage with pupils and excite them with technology. I want to be able to watch them grow, progress and utilise the knowledge I have taught them in their studies.
Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
I see myself being happy and enjoying life while educating and helping pupils succeed in life by finding their passions. I currently attend Taekwondo on a weekly basis - I see myself still studying this and I would like to incorporate Taekwondo classes into my school, teaching all ages (including teachers!).