Case Studies

What Set You On The Path To Teaching?

When I was little, I always said that I would be a teacher. I was really lucky because through primary and secondary school in Spain, I had many inspirational teachers that made me believe that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. I loved my English lessons. My teacher was amazing. He was really fun but also strict, and really instigated that passion for learning a second language in me. In year 13 I applied to do Translation at the University of Murcia and was accepted. However, I felt unexpectedly sad during a moment where I knew I should have felt happy. At that stage, I knew for sure that I needed to change degrees and go into teaching and I never looked back! 

What Was It That Attracted You To Working At Springwest Academy?

When I started here at Springwest, I didn’t know much about the school or the community. This was almost 12 years ago now and I have loved every minute of it. The students are witty, smart, dedicated and kind. I have also had the pleasure of getting to know so many of their parents throughout the years as well who hold similar traits. Furthermore, the members of staff at Springwest are truly special and I feel like they are my family away from home. Everyone really cares, not only about their job but also about you as a person and I think that is really important. 

What do you enjoy about being an Assistant Principal?

I love being able to observe many different lessons every week as my role has a focus on Teaching and Learning. I find it really interesting to research on how students learn and what are the barriers for this and I deliver training to staff. I’m constantly reading, reflecting, researching and learning from this - it is so interesting! My role also includes literacy and reading, a real passion of mine. Moreover, I lead Staff Wellbeing with the principal- I find this part of my role fascinating because I get to listen to members of staff and their feedback and we work together to make the school a better place to work in. 

What do you like most about teaching Spanish?

For me, I hope to be that teacher that inspires students to travel, to learn more about other cultures and be more open to the way other people communicate and live. I wholeheartedly agree that learning another language opens the door to the world and it gives our students the opportunity to be able to work or live abroad, to have friends, to struggle and overcome barriers. There is something so powerful about communicating with people in their own language and it is incredible to see the progress our students make from year 7 until they leave us. Wouldn’t change it for the world.