Meet The Teacher - Miss McCord

This is the next in a series of articles where we get to know our trainee teachers.  Trainee teachers attend two placements in the academic year so are with us either from September to Christmas or January to June. They initially observe then start to take over sections of lessons, leading to being in charge of several classes by the time they finish their placement with us. Along with assignments and studies in pedagogy, they work towards their Post Graduate Certificate in Education and Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the summer term.

This week we interviewed two trainee teachers who have been taken under the wings of the Drama department. 

Meet The Teacher - Miss McCord (English)

What made you want to become a teacher?

I had the most amazing English teacher. She pushed me to go further than I thought I could. 

I remember we had a poetry competition and I had just moved from the middle set to the top set. We had to write a 100-word poem and she gave me such strong praise for it and it really boosted me. 

When I had moved into the top set, everything clicked for me and my teacher pushed me to do better. I want to do the same for others, inspire them. 

I completed an English with Education Undergraduate Honours Degree at Ulster University and I am now at Edge Hill doing my PGCE.

What do you like about your placement at Priory?

I like the structure of the day. It’s very professional and everyone is challenged. I like the support the pupils receive and all the extra-curricular English clubs are well-attended which shows the pupils care.

What's the hardest thing about your job?

Definitely marking! In English there is a lot of marking.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to do horse-riding, I have a horse at home and I want to get back on that again, which I haven’t since I moved to England. I also like reading and poetry.