Bethany Drake

Lecturer in Primary Education, Leeds Trinity University

By the time I had finished my training I felt totally prepared to go and work in schools.

Wanting to become a teacher

I feel that I was born to teach. From an early age I loved leading others and I’ve always looked for opportunities to do this. I was inspired by the teachers who were obviously really looking out for me.  I really appreciated those teachers at school who challenged me to reach my potential. They recognised that I was willing to put in the work so would pull me aside and give me honest feedback which meant I could improve.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity

Leeds Trinity was renowned as an exceptional teacher training institution and the location was also perfect for me, being so close to home. I studied through the school direct programme, the South Bradford partnership, which meant I got a great deal of time working in schools. Other providers didn’t offer the same amount of time in school settings. So, at Leeds Trinity, I really felt I got the best of both learning in the classroom and going out to teach - putting everything into practice.

My best student memories

The staff were not only incredibly supportive but with their extensive experience in teaching I knew I was in the best environment possible to thrive. I enjoyed being challenged as I knew this would lead me to be the best teacher I could be. When I was feeling any pressure there was always a supportive lecturer on campus that I could easily contact.

I was able to take full advantage of three really valuable placements. By the time I had finished my training I felt totally prepared to go and work in schools.

My career since graduation

After graduation, I worked at a school in Bradford for a year before moving to the north-east and teaching there for seven years. I then came full circle when I returned to Leeds Trinity to be a lecturer in Primary Education in 2024.

I have very fond memories of studying maths as a student at Leeds Trinity but also being taught by Amanda Nuttall. She really inspired me as a student, so it was a great opportunity when coming back to the University and being able to work in the same team as her. It meant a lot to have that connection again, when returning to the University.

The best things about being a teacher

No day is ever the same in teaching, I loved going into the classroom knowing that my day would be full of surprises, challenges and successes along the way. The absolute best thing for me was building positive relationships with the children, getting to know them so I could maximise their learning experience. I now practice what I preach by sharing my expertise with trainee teachers here at Leeds Trinity. My aim is to instill the value of building relationships with pupils on a foundation of mutual respect, trust and care for every child we come across in our teaching career.

My advice to trainee teachers and ECTs

I would say embrace every single opportunity that you can and be meticulously organised in everything you do as this will benefit you and your whole career.

You will never be the finished article so take on board any constructive criticism from your peers. As difficult as this can be at the beginning of your career it will really help you in becoming the best teacher possible. Looking back I realise just how much I have benefited from expert colleagues who took the time to give me advice and share their top tips.