Emma McGuigan

First job: Special needs classroom assistant.

What it taught me: Working as a special needs classroom assistant in St Genevieve’s High School was an amazing experience. I enjoyed being part of the school community and helping children not only academically but holistically. Positive relationships between staff and the pupils were paramount and it was important to get to know the children and their interests. What I really loved about being a classroom assistant was watching the children become independent learners and seeing their confidence grow. It was clear that the teachers became influential people to the pupils and their lives and that my input and support could have a positive impact on the children and young people.

Family/status: Married with a three-year-old son, Noah.

Best advice anyone ever gave you: A friend once told me when I had my son, "There will be a last time for everything, so enjoy every moment." This made me appreciate all the small things in life and in my classroom. There will be the last time a pupil asks you for the time, for help to log on to the computer or for some help with their shoe laces. This will be because of the skills and experiences you have taught them.

Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: I would highly recommend the teaching profession to anyone. It is the most challenging of jobs, at times, but it is definitely the most rewarding. Make sure you know your children and preparation is key. Enjoy every moment with the children and remember to keep the classroom a fun, safe and happy place to be.

I graduated from St Mary’s Universit College Belfast in July 2010, with a 2.1 classification in a BA Liberal Arts Degree in Physical Education. In September 2010, I started a special needs classroom assistant post in St Genevieve’s High School, where I worked for five years. It was then that I realised that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching and applied for a place on the PGCE in Ulster University, Coleraine. 

I have been taught by some of the most amazing teachers, in both St John the Baptist Primary School and St Genevieve’s High School where I attended as a pupil. They were my inspiration to become a teacher. I dream of having the same impact that they had on me on the children I teach. Over the past five years I have been incredibly fortunate to teach in Ballymacward Primary School. I teach a composite class of Primary 4 and 5 children. I am currently the PE, World Around Us and ICT coordinator. I work with the the most amazing colleagues who have supported, inspired and shaped me as a teacher. I am forever indebted to the pupils, parents and all the staff of Ballymacward Primary School. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help our children on their educational journey, wherever that may take them, and I hope that they look back with happy memories and a sense of achievement.