Tamsin Clube, teacher of expressive arts

Thomas Clarkson Community College, Wisbech

Why did you become involved in teaching?

I decided to become involved in teaching when I was at university and started work as a learning support assistant. 

I hadn’t originally decided to go into teaching but it so happened that I enjoyed it so much that I decided to make teaching my career.

What do you most enjoy about teaching?

I would say the relationships that you build up. I really enjoy the fact that it is a personal job where you do have contact with other people. The relationships that you see with children, you see their progress so it is really rewarding.

Why did you join the NASUWT?

I initially joined the NASUWT because of the offer on membership while I was training. 

During that training I noticed that the seminars they offered were so useful that I decided to stick with them in induction year and I have just become our representative in the school.

What challenges have you faced during the early stages of your career?

The main challenges that I have struggled with in my first year are a lack of support from staff higher up the scale. Also covering staff that are perhaps on long-term leave and maternity leave, that can be an additional cause of stress.

The overall day-to-day challenges of behaviour and planning…can be difficult, trying to establish yourself in a new environment.