28 June 2018 Jewish News
www.jewishnews.co.uk
E13
Role models / Education
BACK TO SCHOOL When four former pupils return to a school as teachers, it is a significant moment - and a disturbing one for the educators who taught them and are still there.This was the situation when Kantor King Solomon High School in Ilford welcomed back alumni who made their mark as pupils and are keen to do so as teachers. Adam Newman
“I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I was in sixth form. What I loved about KS was that all of my teachers instantly nurtured that passion and even encouraged me to teach lessons to my peers. I was awarded the “gifted and talented” award in teaching, which resulted in me teaching a five minute A-level psychology lesson to more than 400 parents, members of staff, governors etc. Once I decided to do my teacher training here, I was welcomed with open arms and every member of staff has bent over backwards to help support me. I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today without them. In the school picture, I am standing next to my science teacher, David Calvo, who is now my colleague!”
Jordana Aaronson
“I joined the school in 2007 and stayed right through to complete my A-levels. I feel extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to begin my teaching career here; it is very fulfilling to teach my students geography in the very same classrooms where I was once taught. I now get to work alongside colleges who were the same teachers who inspired me to start a career in education.”
Kelly Burack
“I joined the school in July 2014 as a learning support assistant (LSA) for the special educational needs (SEN) department. I had only worked as an LSA for a year when I was given the opportunity to be an assistant head of year, and it was a year and half after starting when I was asked by Hannele Reece to start training as a science teacher. My degree is BSc psychology – so when I hopefully qualify in 20 days I will be able to teach both science and psychology. I was not the model student; I was often in trouble and I generally found school to be very challenging and academically difficult – this was mainly owing to being dyslexic. When I came back to work here, I felt I had a lot to prove because my new colleagues were previously my teachers. But now, four years on, with the support/guidance I have been given, I have progressed and surpassed expectations. I continue to look forward to what future progressions and influence I can make at KS and I thoroughly enjoy my job, the people I work with and our overall working environment.”
Seth Walmer
“I joined the school in 2003 and went on to read Jewish and religious studies. King Solomon gave me some great memories as a pupil and it is a privilege to return as a teacher. I was a conscientious student who was hard-working, but I did set off the fire alarm once for burning quiche in a food technology lesson! “
Rebecca Cohen
“I’m a psychology graduate with an interest in child development. I work in the special educational needs and disability department as an LSA and higher level teaching assistant, working one on one and in small groups with children with additional needs. It’s a very challenging yet extremely rewarding job. Being back here is like being home, with a supportive and caring work family. It feels like I’ve never left!”