Emma McCully

First job: Care Assistant EMI.

What it taught me: My first job was caring for elderly dementia patients where I learned that we should let the important people in our lives know their value and we should not to worry about growing older – it is a privilege denied to many.

Family/status: Single.

Best advice anyone ever gave you: When you cannot control what is happening, challenge yourself to control how you respond. Despite the disruption to school routine caused by the pandemic, I have endeavoured to respond to the needs of my pupils and colleagues with positive action and encouragement.

Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Every day in the classroom, be who the children need you to be – regardless of what else is going on. We are sometimes the only consistent thing in their lives. Sign up for every course or training opportunity available, professional development and learning is a lifelong journey in the teaching profession.

This is my eleventh-year teaching in West Belfast, and it has been a challenging and rewarding experience. I began my teaching career in CBS teaching languages and volunteering in the Special Needs department, having always had an interest in helping those who are more vulnerable in society. Throughout my teaching career, I have been thankful for my colleagues who have mentored and led me, and have in many cases become close friends.

In All Saints College, I have had the privilege of being appointed Assistant SENCo, which has been an invaluable experience. I have just completed my Pathways to Leadership course with the Education Authority and hope to continue my professional journey and continually improve upon my classroom practice. 

I hope that during my career my work will continue to benefit the children and wider community. I am privileged to do the job I do and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work within such a wonderful profession and with the young people of West Belfast.