Local teacher says 'I learn from pupils all the time'

A local teacher has lifted the lid on working in the challenging profession.
Addison BrownAddison Brown
Addison Brown

Addison Brown is currently fronting the latest Get into Teaching campaign, talking about a typical day for him at Bedford High School.

Addison graduated from Edge Hill University in 2017 after studying a PGCE in Secondary Science (Biology) with qualified teacher status.

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The 27-year-old said he was inspired to become a teacher by his teacher mum, who has always been enthusiastic about her job.

He was selected for his TV role after spotting an advert on social media: “I was called for an audition, got a call back and before I knew it, I was the main man in the Get into Teaching campaign! It was very much a whirlwind of a month.”

Speaking of his decision to work in schools, Addison said: “Like other careers, teaching obviously has its downsides but the positives are amazing. Every day something will happen that makes you think it is worth it and it is an amazing job.

“At school I was a typical boy. I had the ability, and my behaviour was good but unless I was challenged in a lesson (I have always been very competitive) I would just do enough to scrape by. If you can relate to students and connect with them, you can build good relationships and help bring out the best in children.

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“I learn from my pupils all the time, and not necessarily about my subject. You learn about kids and their different backgrounds and the ways they approach various challenges in their day-to-day life.

“And even though I’m only 27, you definitely start feeling old when your students have to explain new trends, words and ways of the world.”

And has he felt embarrassed in front of his students?

“Oh yes, loads of times. But it actually helps build relationships with students because they realise that you are actually human. Whether it’s walking into stuff or a slip of the tongue.”

But while there are many light moments during a typical day, the job is undoubtedly tough: “The hardest part me is whether I’ve given enough attention to every member of class. Not just the really clever ones or the really naughty ones, but the ones who sit and do everything you ask but may not fully understand.

“The most rewarding part is the light bulb moment; when things ‘click’ and students get what you’ve been doing.”