Sheffield Newfield School teacher Simon Dawson backs Get Into Teaching campaign

Nearly a third (32%) of university students and recent graduates surveyed in Sheffield believe that knowing they are making a difference in the world is among their top career aspirations.

More than a third (37%) highlight feeling a sense of pride when telling someone what they do.

The national survey of 2,000 students and recent graduates was carried out for the campaign Get Into Teaching.

There has been a major increase in teacher training applications in England over the last few months, compared to the same period last year.

When it comes to attitudes to different sectors pre-Covid, the market research found that more than three in five (63%) students and graduates surveyed in Sheffield view the teaching and education sector as serving one of the most important roles in society, alongside healthcare and the environment.

Simon Dawson, director of mathematics at Newfield School in Sheffield, said: “As a teacher, now more than ever, you know you’re playing your part in making a real difference in the world.

“ It gives me a huge sense of pride, achievement and fulfilment in my own life.

Charity helps army veteran find career

“Teachers have the opportunity to inspire budding minds, which encourages your creative side to flourish too, and this is one of the parts of the job that I love the most.

“Like other careers, teaching is hard work but it’s a profession that builds and nurtures key skills like leadership and confidence and the emotional pay-back is far greater than I ever anticipated.

“For example, having pupils contact you after they have left school and they tell you how they are getting on at university or progressing in their career is amazing.

What we do in the classroom inspires them down that road! ”

Simon added: “If people are looking for a job role that brings pride and a sense of purpose, teaching is certainly something you should take the time to find out more about.”

For more information, visit https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk or call 0800 389 2500.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.