However, it may never have happened had severe headaches not pushed him down a different path. The former assistant headteacher initially had other aspirations and planned to go into cancer research. However, he suffered a bad reaction to the organic chemicals used while studying Natural Sciences at Queens’ College, Cambridge. It led to a rethink and one profession’s loss was another’s gain. All Jonathan’s 38 years of teaching have been spent in Essex, with his first job at Thurstable School, in Tiptree, in 1982. He went on to work in Colchester, Brightlingsea and Clacton. Jonathan said: “My father was a vicar and I always got on well with young people at the church, so thought I’d give teaching a go.
Luckily, armies of school staff were at the doors, ready to greet and provide emotional assistance. Teachers began to teach in their classrooms again and checked to see how everyone was feeling. Those that may have needed additional time also spoke with the learning mentors who work brilliantly in conjunction with teachers. The first few weeks were a rollercoaster of emotion and there was a lot of excitement, laughter and tears. Relief that a level of normality was returning aided in embedding a community spirit among staff. It was akin to a war effort. As schools start to feel more normal, I m positive about the future and confident good teaching will be paramount in bridging the gap and ensuring no child gets left behind.
Dr Sarah Alix heads up North Essex Teacher Training (NETT) gazette-news.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from gazette-news.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
by LOUISE SCHENK-COOPER WHEN it comes to career changes, it s hard to imagine a more dramatic leap than the one taken by Lance Halliwell. The 44-year-old, now a popular and respected teacher, has swiftly climbed the ladder to become assistant principal at Colchester Academy. However, it is a far cry from his former life as a soldier, serving for more than two decades and touring both Afghanistan and Kosovo. Lance has seamlessly moved from the battleground to the playground and is enjoying every second of his new career, while remaining fiercely proud of his roots. He said: I served as a para, commando and physical training instructor, touring Afghanistan twice and Kosovo.
by LOUISE SCHENK-COOPER WHEN it comes to career changes, it s hard to imagine a more dramatic leap than the one taken by Lance Halliwell. The 44-year-old, now a popular and respected teacher, has swiftly climbed the ladder to become assistant principal at Colchester Academy. However, it is a far cry from his former life as a soldier, serving for more than two decades and touring both Afghanistan and Kosovo. Lance has seamlessly moved from the battleground to the playground and is enjoying every second of his new career, while remaining fiercely proud of his roots. He said: I served as a para, commando and physical training instructor, touring Afghanistan twice and Kosovo.