We hear from the men and women at the front of the class about what inspired – and continues to inspire – them to take up teaching. Here’s the view from the staff room at St Lawrence College…
Simon Heard (Deputy Head, Registrar)
What motivated you to take up teaching?
My love of teaching first developed at university in the OTC instructing other students. When I finished competitive skiing and biathlon (which I did for 4 years having left the Royal Marines), it was a logical move for me. I love the variety of each day and being able to build meaningful relationships with young people, and then watch them head off into the world as well-rounded adults. I was very fortunate in my early education and I feel a sense of duty to give something back if I can.
What brought you to and keeps you at your school?
St Lawrence College is in a great location for us as a family – proximity to London and to France, great beaches, fantastic cycling routes and loads of places to visit like Canterbury and Dover Castle. I love working here because the job is always busy, interesting and inspiring. The staff here are great and work really hard and the school is doing really well, which helps to keep the working environment so positive.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job and its biggest challenge?
I love travelling, foreign cultures, languages and meeting people so running the admissions here at St Lawrence College is perfect for me. I get to travel to some amazing places, and meet lots of wonderful families. People are the same all over the world and it is a privilege to be able to travel to their countries and experience their cultures, and then in due course to introduce them to ours and ensure their stay as a boarder is happy and fulfilling.
The biggest challenge is, of course, maintaining a work/life balance but as long as I get a few triathlons in each year I am happy. That, and walks on the beach with the family and dogs!