Freddie Berry

The reason I became a teacher is my drive to support children to make a positive difference to the world they live in. I’ve always loved education, and ultimately I just want children to realise that they can set brilliant ambitions and achieve them.

Studying at Edge Hill gave me the support, expertise, and challenge needed to become a confident class teacher. I was lucky enough to go on placement to a school in the Isle of Man, and I got to learn about a completely different approach to education. Setting up and leading the Edge Hill University Education Society was a brilliant way for me to build my communication skills and confidence – which have been invaluable in my career so far.

There’s no typical day in my job as a teacher. Bring on the craziness, I say. Teaching and learning forms the main part of my job, but talking to their children about how they’re doing, finding out their interests, and bonding with them is also hugely important. I communicate with parents regularly too, and engage with lots of professional development courses to improve my knowledge. There’s loads of free CPD at Edge Hill which I take part in.

This year I’m taking on the role of PSHCE leader in my school. I hope that this will lead to further subject leadership responsibility in the future. I’m keeping my options open though, and I’m also interested in specialised roles like Designated Mental Health Leader – a hugely important role in schools these days. I’d love to one day return to Edge Hill to be a lecturer in Primary Education.

For anyone thinking of joining Edge Hill as a trainee teacher, go for it. You won’t be disappointed in the level of support, from lecturers to the careers team and your school-based mentors. Take every opportunity you are given, and try something that takes you out of your comfort zone. Most importantly, work hard and enjoy the fantastic experience of Higher Education.