Daniel Callaghan

Teacher, Thorpe Primary School

Leeds Trinity has always been known for exceptional teacher training programmes, some of the inspiring teachers who taught me attended here.

Why I chose Leeds Trinity to train as a teacher

I chose to study at Leeds Trinity University for my Primary Education Early Years (3-7 years old) with QTS degree because it was inspiring, educational and well established, known for its outstanding achievements with qualifying teachers.

Leeds Trinity has always been known for exceptional teacher training programmes, some of the inspiring teachers who taught me attended here.

My best memories

Some of my best memories are making lifelong friends, who are all now amazing teachers and working in education inspiring the next generation. One of our fond memories, that we still talk about today, is one of our lectures we went into the kitchen and made pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, which ended badly as we weren’t the best at cooking. We burnt about 10 different pancakes and I am sure a few ended up on the floor!

Inspirational role models

During my primary school experience, I had a great set of role models: teachers and teaching assistants, who showed me the love for teaching and learning stems from those in school. It was during my volunteering hours at my old primary school, that I realised a strong male role model could make a positive impact on the children within and surrounding the classroom setting.

As soon as I decided I wanted to be a teacher, I chose my A level subjects based on this and then completed my teaching degree at Leeds Trinity University. Once I completed my degree, partly through COVID-19, I secured a post as HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) which gave me confidence in developing my teaching ability, until I then secured a full-time teaching post in 2022.

Winning a National Teaching Award

When I found out I was nominated and won a National Teaching Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year from Pearson, I was in complete shock. I was overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions; surprised, excited and nervous. It was and still is a big deal, especially being recognised for the hard work and commitment I have put into my teaching career so far.

As an ECT (Early Careers Teacher), the first two years are the hardest; finding your feet, promoting a positive behaviour management strategy, getting to know the children in your class on a personal level, and being able to relax and have a work-life balance. So, being recognised early on in my career has been one of the biggest achievements I have done, since I am only 25 years old.

My Top tips for ECT’s

• Get organised and buy a decent teacher planner: I recommend The Positive Teacher Company.
• Find a good work-life balance and stick to it.
• Ensure you have a good support system.
• Don’t be too hard on yourself, your to-do list always gets longer.
• Every day is a new day … Enjoy it!