Simon Fox

Name: Simon Fox
Area of work: secondary education
School: Hethersett High School & Science College
Local authority: Norfolk
Qualifications: BSc biological sciences, Birmingham University (1999); PhD plant virology, awarded by University of East Anglia (2003); PGCE, University of East Anglia (2004)

Both my parents were teachers and if you speak to a group of educators you’ll invariably find a large proportion have close family members working in the profession. One of my clearest childhood memories is the happiness and contentment both my mother and father derived from doing the work they loved.

Early experiences of teaching whilst studying

Whilst doing my PhD I spent time demonstrating in labs and helping young people to learn, and this made me realise that helping others to find their own pathways was something I wanted to spend my life doing. It’s really not until you get out there and get stuck in that you find out whether you are made for it or not.

Juggling running a department with teaching classes

I am now responsible for running the science department as a teaching faculty, as well as monitoring and improving its impact in the school and community as a whole, due to our science college status. I am also responsible for assessment for learning across the school, as well as running a coaching scheme, monitoring the national healthy schools scheme and leading several large residential trips abroad.

I have 40 hours a week of contact time, including looking after a form. I receive two hours a fortnight for my responsibilities. My working hours are usually 7.30 am to 6.00 pm at school and then a couple of hours at home in the evening.

Enjoy secondary teaching as a vocation, not just a job

I let my enjoyment of teaching come across in both my letter of application for this role and the interview. I have made a point of getting involved in as many different areas as I can handle while still being able to demonstrate a measurable impact, and have had incredible support and encouragement from my colleagues and family.

Teaching is without a doubt one of the most rewarding and satisfying careers that you can undertake, while at the same time requiring real determination and focus. It is a career path you need to be sure you are suited to, so get out there and try it before committing fully. Most importantly though, remember it is not just a job but a vocation and the rewards are well worth the hard graft to get there.