Tim Reynolds

First job: Children's summer camp in Canada.

What it taught me: My experiences working at a camp for underprivileged children in my late-teens taught me that no matter how difficult a child's background is, positive change is possible when someone believes and invests in them. I was also deeply moved by the joy and courage found in many of the young people who came from some of the poorest postcodes in Canada. As a slightly spoilt and entitled teenager, this first 'proper' job was a wake-up call to live a life with more gratitude and service to others. Although I went on to work in the business and charity sector for many years, those early experiences of working with young people influenced my decision to change career and retrain as a Primary School teacher.

Family/status: Single.

Best advice anyone ever gave you: Be authentic, try to treat everyone you meet with dignity, give all that you have to everything you do and don't be afraid to admit when you're wrong!

Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: If you're thinking of a teaching career, don't just read up about it – find a way to get into a school, get some experience and see for yourself what it involves. Teaching is not for the faint-hearted! Be prepared for hard work and long hours. The good news is that you have the privilege of investing in the lives of children who will shape the future. Helping children grow in confidence and succeed is such a joy. Plus, no day is the same!

I have always been passionate about working with young people. In my twenties, I ran a youth and children's initiative for the Salvation Army in a large council estate in South Wales. For almost ten years, I was responsible for managing a team of youth and children's workers and volunteers in running after-school programmes, kids’ clubs and youth projects. Our work was recognised by the Welsh Government and hundreds of young people were provided with a bright, safe and motivational space to build friendships, learn new skills and receive educational support. After ten years, I moved in a different direction and became Marketing Manager for a large UK family support charity, Care for the Family. For five years, I enjoyed using my creative and communication skills to oversee the charity's branding and marketing strategy. I then moved into the business sector working as a Marketing Manager for 2buy2, a procurement company, for another 18 months. Throughout these years, the idea of teaching never left me. At 40, I entered teacher training through the PGCE course in Coleraine. Better late than never! I’m in my second year teaching an inspiring group of P3 children at Ballinderry Primary School, alongside a team of dedicated and inspiring work colleagues.