Steven Phaup

Name:Steven Phaup
Area of work: secondary education
School: Wymondham College
Local authority: Norfolk
Qualifications: BSc science and management, Napier University (2001); PGCE, University of East Anglia (2002)

Teaching allows me to continue to practise and enjoy my subject but at the same time, it provides me with the opportunity to develop my communication, management and leadership skills. It is a profession that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has energy, ambition and a good sense of humour!

Teaching science in a city comprehensive

My first teaching job was at a city comprehensive in Norwich. I taught physics and electronics and the learning curve was steep. I had to get to grips with new courses while dealing with many different personalities and, of course, keeping up to date with marking books! I moved on to my current school after two years to be head of physics. This involved more management responsibilities and developing the curriculum. The head of science stepped down two years later and I was promoted, after interview, to the post.

Being a department head at a state boarding school

I have overall responsibility for health and safety, the development of the whole science curriculum, timetabling the department, managing teachers and technicians, and communicating with parents and students. I teach 38 periods a fortnight which is about five less than a full-time teacher with no additional responsibilities. The job does not fit into those hours and so working outside of school time is essential. However the reduction does give me the chance to get into lessons and meet with staff. Typically I work from 7.45 am until about 5.30 pm. However, as Wymondham College is a state boarding school I often work into the evening.

Developing my career at my own pace

My next career step will probably be to move to another school to do a similar job so that I can build on my experiences. However I could look at going down a pastoral route, such as head of year, or move up to assistant principal.

Teaching demands a lot of energy, so you should be prepared to give it 100 per cent. If you do it will give you even more in return, including a tremendous sense of achievement and satisfaction.