SPOTLIGHT ON…

ELIZABETH BENNET, ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER, COSTELLO

What is on your wish list for the next five years at BET? I’m very excited to see where the school will go under BET, we are hoping for some more outdoor learning opportunities for our students in the future. I’m also keen to work collaboratively with more staff across the trust.

What’s your favourite line from a film?

“It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices.” - Dumbledore, from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

What do you like most about your job? No two days are the same. I couldn’t imagine going back and working in an office. I love the challenge that teaching brings to my life. My job keeps me on my toes.

What are your biggest professional challenges? Keeping up to date with changes to education, how to implement new strategies across the school, keeping all the balls in the air. What’s your personal mantra? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Two children and a very loud alarm clock. I’m naturally a bit of a morning person so I don’t mind getting up and facing the day ahead.

How would you describe your day job to a child?

I help big children learn all they can so they can be whatever they want to be. I also do a lot of work with Google docs and spread sheets.

What is your biggest achievement to date, personal or professional?

Being able to balance a young family and a demanding full time job is probably my biggest achievement. Of course it’s something many people do, but it’s what I work hardest at. I am a fulfilled human being because I work in a job I love which in turn, I think makes me a better mum.

What does a typical day look like to you and what are you currently working on?

That’s a tough one. One of the reasons I enjoy being a teacher so much is because every day is different. On the whole my day usually starts with coffee and emails. I review my planner, see who I’m teaching and which deadlines need to be met that day, and depending on that I might continue with operational or strategic work.

What 3 words would you use to describe your role? Challenging, Surprising, Reassuring.