Jane Laverack
A love of France, and its language, cooking and culture, has played a major part in Jane Laverack's career choices. And she's now sharing some of that enthusiasm with others – which is the perfect starting point for a teaching career.
Having completed a degree in French and Linguistics, Jane spent two years working as a part-time Learning Support Assistant, which gave her the confidence she needed to embark on a career as a teacher.
"I knew it could be a demanding career choice, but my work experience convinced me I was capable of taking on the challenges I'd face," says Jane. With this in mind, in 2006, she enrolled on the one-year PGCE Primary course at UWE – with French as a specialist subject.
The French connection
One of the highlights of her course was spending time in a country she loves, France. Jane’s placement involved living with a French family and working in a French school – all organised by UWE. “It was a brilliant experience and a real confidence boost – as well as meaning I missed a month of the English winter!” she says. “As well as improving my French, I also got to hone my cooking skills, which was a great way to make friends during my PGCE.”
Towards the end of her course, Jane started applying for jobs and added to her work experience with some supply teaching and a short spell teaching English as a foreign language. “Supply teaching gave me the opportunity to experience a range of different schools and make a more informed choice about the school that was right for me. I wasn’t in a rush to find a job. I knew if I took my time I’d find a school that matched my personality.”
Positive prospects
Jane’s relaxed attitude paid off when she got a job about a year later in her home town, Ipswich, as a year three class teacher.
And she’s even managing to keep the French connection going. “I’m currently working with the language co-ordinator to introduce language courses throughout the school,” she explains. “There are lots of other opportunities for me to get involved in too, such as the Healthy Schools initiative and the possibility of creating a school garden”.
Of course, Jane’s also very happy about being able to fit in lots of trips back to France during the school holidays.
Page last updated 15 May 2012