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https://ukces.blog.gov.uk/2014/12/12/careers-of-the-future-secondary-school-teacher-reno-chell-sandbach-school/

Careers of the Future - Reno Chell, secondary school teacher (Sandbach School)

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Career development, Career guidance

UKCES has published its Careers of the Future, setting out a range of jobs that can become great careers for young people thinking about their future at work. We talked to a range of people already involved in those careers, and we will tell their stories on this blog and on Twitter over the next week. Follow us here or at #careersofthefuture for more.

Reno Chell - Secondary school teacher, Sandbach school, Cheshire

Reno Chell

First off, could you introduce yourself and give us your age and job title?

My name is Reno Chell.  I am 33 and I am Curriculum Leader for Modern Foreign Languages, Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) for MFL –a  government initiative!  and Learning Intervention Manager for Year 10 (Head of Year) at Sandbach School in Cheshire, a boys' free school.

How does your job title translate into day to day work?

As my job titles suggest, my day-to-day workload is very diverse. I have my teaching timetable to deliver, I manage a year group of over 200 boys and I lead a curriculum area. In addition to this, I also support some schools in the local area.

What would an average day entail?

Well, this is what I love about my job…. no two days are ever the same! I can go from teaching a Year 9 class on the topic of reality television shows, in German; to a meeting with a parent to discuss academic progress across all subject areas for their son; to a student who needs support in their learning; to leading a twilight training session on questioning techniques in the classroom for example and before any of this has begun, I will have started the day with a year group assembly celebrating success!

What are they key skills you need to do your job? 

You need passion for your subject area but you also need to have the ability to form positive relationships with young people.  This is at the heart of all that I do. You have to show genuinely that you care about the students and their outcomes. You need to have the ability to make the learning experience memorable for them.  You need to have excellent communication skills and be able to work as part of a team both inside and outside of the classroom.

What is it the most fascinating aspect of your job?

The most fascinating aspect of my job is having a positive impact upon the lives of the young people that I work with.  It’s not just about inspiring a passion in them for your subject area, it’s about being there as a support throughout their wider learning journey.  It’s fascinating as well as a  privilege to be part of each student’s diverse journey and it’s fantastic to see so many develop into well-rounded young adults, who go on to achieve incredible things.

And the most unusual?

I sing in the school choir and I still get nervous when the concert performance is looming!  Another unusual aspect of my job is to belt out annually: “All I want for Christmas is you” with microphone, of course, to entertain the students on our 14 hour coach drive to the French Christmas markets.

What led you to where you are now? Have you always aimed to be in this role?

My passion for languages initially was the reason to become a teacher, as well as having enjoyed working in a French secondary school as part of my degree course.  I felt that I had good rapport with students and I enjoyed seeing them grow in confidence to speak another language.  I aimed initially to be Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages and I felt that I had got my dream job when I started out in September 2004, however, as you gain more experience, I think you look beyond your current role and your leaders encourage you to aim higher. Hence three schools later and several roles on, I am where I am today.

What inspired you to get into this career?

Initially it was my Mathematics teacher and my form tutor at secondary school.  They both cared about their students and they helped me to succeed.  For example I always found Mathematics difficult, but my teacher never gave up until I understood it. It was her outgoing personality and her ability to make Mathematics memorable, which impacted upon me most. Once in the teaching profession, you continue to be inspired by the people that you work with, for example my current Headteacher  has heightened my drive and ambition to aim even higher. She has provided me with opportunities which take me out of my comfort zone.  She is someone that I aspire to be like in the future.

What qualifications did you get, or realise you needed, to be where you are?

I got a good joint honours degree in French and German, and then I went on to complete a full time secondary school PGCE course.

How long did it take to get to where you are now?

It has taken me eleven years to get to where I am now.

What one piece of advice would you have given your younger self?

I would say don’t be so hard on yourself, it takes time to grow and develop as both a teacher and a leader.

What advice would you offer anyone looking to follow a similar career?

I would say: do it!  I cannot imagine doing any other career. I love my job and, it’s the students that make it all of the hard work worth it. You cannot beat the buzz of success that leading and teaching in education brings.  Contact your local secondary school about observing some lessons, go and see some learning in action. It may have changed a lot from when you were at school.

How do you think your job might change in the future?

In the future, I think that my job title may change, in that I will hopefully become an Assistant Headteacher, with my  long term aim being to become a Headteacher. In the future, technology will continue to have an impact upon the classroom and will always enrich learning for students, however this will be in tandem with the teacher, who's role it will still be to inspire and enthuse the students that they work with. However, the fundamental aspect of my job that will never change is my commitment and passion to do the very best that I can for all the young people that I work with.

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2 comments

  1. Comment by luke pickles posted on

    chell for life

    Reply
  2. Comment by School Premises Management posted on

    Well done in your career journey so far and may you become a Head Teacher in the future.

    Reply

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