After 25 years working as a primary school teacher, Dinsdale Shaw still takes great pride in seeing his pupils make progress.

Dinsdale teaches computing to children from all years at Coomb Briggs Primary School, Lincolnshire.

“I love working with young people, seeing them progress and knowing that I’ve had a direct impact on their lives,” he says. “That’s the reason why I went into teaching.

“Working with Year 1 to Year 6 pupils, I can remember when they couldn’t even sign into a computer and their hands were so small they struggled to hold a mouse.

“Then I see them in their final year creating complicated algorithms and programs to make interactive games.

“I can reflect on how much they’ve changed over the years. It’s quite a unique experience, as it’s often only head teachers who are able to see that progress.”

Dinsdale, 47, has worked at three schools during his career and has been a teacher at Coomb Briggs for the last 15 years.

He feels teachers are expected to change schools after a number of years, but believes he and his pupils have benefited from him staying and providing stability.

“During my time at this school, the children have changed, the leadership have changed and even the building has even been replaced,” says Dinsdale.

“So I have no need to move anywhere and my school is just so friendly and welcoming. It has a family feel to it.”

Dinsdale thinks that it is vital for schools to value their older teachers and the wealth of experience they bring to their roles.

 “I have been through so many changes to the National Curriculum and seen trends come and go,” he says.

“Hopefully, I have got some wisdom to share with the younger staff. They do come to ask me ‘Do you like this?’ or ‘Am I doing the right thing?’

“But it works two ways because they often have fresh ideas that I can ask them about.

“I love working with young teachers. They are inspirational and full of enthusiasm. We all have a mutual respect for each other.”

Dinsdale joined NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union 23 years ago and he is a member of the Grimsby & District Local Association.

He combines his part-time teaching post with volunteering as a Local Negotiating Secretary, Caseworker and Workplace Representative.

Dinsdale says his advice to younger teachers would be: “Make sure you join the Union and that you know your rights and responsibilities.

“Always remember to make time for yourself and keep a support network around you.

“If you ever have a bad day, just remember the reasons why you decided to become a teacher in the first place.

“That’s what got you here and that’s what should keep you in the profession.”

Dinsdale is one of the dedicated teachers featured in our Celebrating Experience campaign.