Case studies: PE teacher: Tom Hind

Tom studied an HND in Sport and Leisure Management at Staffordshire University. He then went on to do a top-up degree at the University of Central Lancashire, graduating in 2009. After undertaking a Graduate Training Programme (GTP) via Thomas Telford School and the West Midlands Consortium, Tom now works as a newly qualified PE teacher at Moreton High School in Wolverhampton.

Throughout my time at school and university I played a lot of sport. I played for the university football team, which not only demonstrated my enthusiasm for sport but also helped my teamwork and organisational skills. 

I always had a passion for sport and I knew it was something I wanted to incorporate into my future career. This is why I chose sport and leisure management as the subject for my HND and degree courses.

After completing my HND, I decided to do a top-up degree as I was keen to improve my qualification and believed it would open up further opportunities for me. I acknowledged that a degree would be helpful for my future career, regardless of the path I may take.

After I graduated with a degree from university, I volunteered as classroom support at Moreton High School, where I am a teacher at now. I was job searching while volunteering and used many resources, such as links through my university representative, as well as the internet. However, it was through volunteering that I secured a permanent and paid position as a learning mentor at the school. This position gave me great experience of working with young people in a classroom environment and when the school gave me the opportunity to undertake a GTP I jumped at the chance.

As a PE teacher, I teach indoor and outdoor sports for five hours a day and I enjoy every minute of it. I am doing something I love and there is daily job satisfaction when I see what the students are achieving. I do find classroom management a challenge, which I am working on. But it is a challenge I relish and enjoy.

In terms of my career progression, I am now the head of key stage 3 and I aspire to be middle management within six years. I am also now studying for a Masters in sports education, which I hope will help me achieve my goal.

If you really want to work within education, it is important that you show willing and volunteer within a school. It will give you all the experience and insight you will need.