Claire Boylan

First job: Little Flower Girls' School.

What it taught me: To fully support any child, you need to understand where they are coming from. As a beginning teacher I quickly learnt that building relationships with young people and the community is the key to being an effective teacher. Being open and honest are key qualities that will help these relationships. I also felt privileged knowing that through positive relationships I could really make a difference in young people’s lives. I learnt that if things don't go exactly to plan, you must learn from your mistakes, and start again tomorrow.  Being involved in the whole life of the school is vitally important. As a young teacher, it was through my involvement in extra-curricular activities that I really got to know the students, through both netball coaching and teaching music I saw a different side to so many students. I was so lucky to work with a fantastic team of teachers, who supported and cared for each other. During my years in Little Flower my love of teaching was fostered and developed working with inspirational school leaders.

Family/status: Married for 18 years to Gavin Pollard with three children, Rory 12, Calum 11, and Aoife 6.

Best advice anyone ever gave you: Growing up I was always told to give everything 100%, to never give up, and no-one can ask anything more from you.  Always be honest with yourself and others, and when you make mistakes always hold your hands up and admit to your faults, as that is far better than trying to cover up for them. My husband always tells my children "There are plenty of nice people in this world, if you can't find one, be one.”

Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: As a young teacher I was inspired by people who were motivated and dedicated to helping young people maximise their abilities, finding an ability unique to that young person and using it to develop the whole person.  Being a teacher is a vocation and a privilege. Each day you have the unique chance to make a difference in a young person’s life. Be consistent in your relationships and approach. How you interact with a young person can inspire them, foster self belief and motivate them to be the best they can be. Always take the time to listen to young people; it is both a responsibility and an honour when a young person decides to really talk about their thoughts, feelings and worries. Listen to and take advice from other colleagues, their help and words of wisdom will be a great support. Always reflect on what you are doing, and ask yourself, is my work really having an impact on my students? If that isn't clear, you must rethink and start again.

I have always wanted to be a teacher and follow in my parents’ footsteps. I have been teaching in North Belfast for 21 years. As soon as I qualified I began teaching in Little Flower Girls' school, as an RE teacher, and two years later I became the EMU Co-ordinator. I loved being involved in every part of school life, and as a young teacher I coached the school netball teams, earning places in NI Cup finals and Belfast Cup Finals, I also loved teaching the flute and helping with the school choirs. In 2010 I completed my PQHNI, which gave me the additional skills to become SENCO in 2011. This is when my passion for additonal needs, ensuring each child achieves their full potential, supporting and leading teams of teaching and non teaching staff, was really developed. In 2014 as a member of SLT I became both SENCO and Pastoral Leader with responsibility for Child Protection and Safeguarding. In 2016 Little Flower was amalgamated with St Patrick’s to become Blessed Trinity College, a vibrant, amazing school, where I am an Assistant Vice Principal. I have been so lucky in my career to have worked with inspirational, dedicated people and for a fantastic community. It is through building strong links and positive relationships with the community, our families, and young people that I have had the most fulfilling rewards. During the present pandemic I have led a team dedicated to ensuring all families receive the best care, emotional and academic assistance they need. Without such a dedicated team, this support would not be possible.