#RSMFridayFastFive – Mrs Freeman
Why did you choose a career working with children? I didn’t really choose a career working with children; it felt like it chose me! I studied law, then decided that I did not want to be a lawyer, but did not know what I wanted to do instead. There followed a few years of appallingly tedious jobs, and then, because it fitted in with my children, I took a job working as a teaching assistant in a school, and everything changed. It gradually dawned on me that when I was teaching I liked myself. I was my best self, because children absolutely deserve that. I did not qualify as a teacher until my children went to senior school. Being a parent before I became a teacher gave me an insight into how much parents love, and will battle for, their children. It was a valuable lesson.
Your favourite subjects at school? I loved Music (especially singing) and English (especially comedy writing). I also, and this will surprise Mr Culverwell, really enjoyed Science. I like the way it explains the world around us.
What do you like teaching best? I love teaching children to write. It feels as if I am luring them into enjoying something they thought they hated.
Most memorable moment at work? My best friend and I used to write musical comedies, which were performed in our schools. It was incredibly thrilling to watch the children bring our words and music to life, but more than that it was wonderful to watch the children grow as they realised that they could act and sing and that everyone loved them for it. I remember we cast one particular child – a boy who was always getting into trouble at school – as the baddy in Otto von Banana and the Toenail Clippings of Doom. He was just amazingly brilliant! After the show, his confidence soared, and his whole demeanour changed. Suddenly, he transformed into a whole different, happier person. How lucky am I that my job involves so many moments like that?!
Favourite Quote? I have a weakness for Einstein quotes. My favourite is:
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results
