Joanne Darrah

Lowwood Primary School & Nursery Unit 

https://www.lowwoodprimary.co.uk/
Subject or Primary school year: Principal
Your place of birth: Belfast
Studied at: Stranmillis University College, Belfast
First job: Sales
What it taught me: The importance of good communication.
Family/status: Married, Mum of two boys, aged 13 and 9. 
Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career
I would advise anyone thinking of a career in teaching that there will be good days, bad days and some overwhelming days, but it can also be extremely rewarding. I would encourage them to always remember that it can take just one single teacher to turn a child's life around. There may be days that some children will look forward to coming to school because you are their teacher. Spend time building a relationship with your pupils, you can achieve so much more once you have done so. 

I know it is a cliché, but teaching will forever be one of the great loves of my life! I am passionate about education and making a difference in the lives of children. I have had a lifelong love of working with children. As a young Girl Guide, I assisted in our church creche and from then on, I knew I would work with children in some capacity.

Whilst at Belfast High School I completed my work experience in the primary school I attended. I was placed with my own P7 teacher, to say I adored this lady is an understatement. She was a bright and vibrant teacher and a true inspiration to me. This lady made my final year at primary school and work experience memorable. From 2000, I attended Stranmillis University College, graduating with a Bachelor of Education in 2004.

My teaching career includes a six-month period in Whiteabbey Primary School, seventeen years in Earlview Primary School and for the last two years I have been Principal of Lowwood Primary School & Nursery Unit. No two days in education are ever the same and I look forward to what the future holds.