Apprentice shares how teaching maths helped her find her purpose

Study support coach, Netsanet Gebreselassie, first discovered her passion for teaching after completing her teaching placement at Leeds City College over three years ago.

Maths enthusiast Netsanet said she enjoyed helping students develop their maths skills while completing her Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

“Maths has always been my strength and that experience helped me focus on maths. This in turn allowed me to support and share my skills with others.

“My family has also been a great help. My husband and three children were supportive at home and helped with cleaning and preparing dinner when I had assignments to submit.”

After completing her placement, Netsanet decided to progress on to the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training and her current job includes teaching and supporting 16-18 year olds – preparing relevant subject material and resources for different learning abilities.

“The maths team and the college have helped me build my confidence as I establish myself as a maths teacher. The support I have received has helped me achieve my qualification and now I get to watch my students achieve their grades and make progress.

“It is also rewarding being able to share best practice with my colleagues and being able to create an inclusive learning environment for our students.”

Highlights and plans for the future
Having settled into her new post, Netsanet said one of her main highlights has been helping students progress on to university or into employment.

“Most students have experienced feelings of failure as a result of not passing their GCSE Maths. Engaging and motivating them has been a major highlight and brought great joy. The positive feedback I have also received from many of them has only encouraged me to keep striving to help them achieve their academic goals.”

“My apprenticeship was a fantastic experience and helped me make my dreams come true.
I am hoping to develop my skills with the view of providing more of a person-centred approach to each student as they prepare for their GCSE Maths at whatever level.”