Rachel shares more detail about their practice us and how they felt about being shortlisted for a Bristol Teaching Award.
- Which Award were you shortlisted for?
Outstanding Support Award – Individual
- How did you feel when you found out you had been shortlisted for an Award?
It’s humbling to think that not only staff nominated me, but students also took time out of their busy stressful lives to write a nomination for me is simply amazing. It makes me emotional to think that I make a difference, and that others wanted to publicly show their appreciation. To have been shortlisted takes how I’m feeling about the nominations to another level, that I’m not sure I have the words for.
- Can you tell us a little bit about your practice and why you were nominated?
I try to keep the thought that students “want to have someone that knows them” at the heart of everything I do. I’m inquisitive, so if I don’t know the answer to a question, I find that answer, so I can use it again in the future, and I know everyone I help appreciates that. I work hard to create good relationships with everyone I meet, so I guess that’s why I was nominated.
- What inspires you to go the extra mile with your teaching?
Seeing students succeed and reach their potential, especially when I know they’ve had to struggle through some exceptional and sometimes unimaginable circumstances. Knowing that even if only for a few minutes, I can make a person’s day better, or make a person feel better about themselves or about the days/weeks ahead of them, keeps me loving my life and keeps me driven to go the extra mile.
- What would you like to share with others about your teaching practice?
By sharing a smile, a giggle or (even a better) a belly laugh with someone, improves both of your lives. I also try to live by the rule that it’s not about being the best but about trying your best that counts, and so every day I try my best!