Joseph Quinn

De La Salle College

https://www.delasallecollege.org.uk

Subject or Primary School Year: Home Economics

Place of Birth: Belfast

Where you studied: Ulster University, Magee

What was your first job? Sales Assistant

What did your first job teach you? My first job taught me many new skills and helped build my confidence. I learned how to communicate effectively with customers and team members, making my job enjoyable. Through this I was able to develop my team working skills and interpersonal skills. I had to learn to become more responsible as I had to have good time management skills and be more adaptable to different situations. Overall it taught me many skills needed to become an effective teacher. 

Best advice you would give to someone thinking of a teaching career: The best piece of advice I could give would be to know your ‘why’. Teaching is an extremely rewarding career, but it takes a lot of time and patience to become effective and feel that sense of achievement. Always reflect on your work and remind yourself of your reason for wanting to teach. I feel that this becomes your drive to be better and do better. Knowing my ‘why’ has helped me build good relationships with my colleagues and students, making my job more rewarding than any other. It has also helped me plan and deliver lessons to the best of my abilities.

Joseph (31) has been a passionate educator since qualifying as a music teacher in 2017. His career began in the Middle East, where he had the privilege of teaching both primary and secondary students in a vibrant, multicultural environment. These experiences broadened his perspective and deepened his commitment to fostering creativity and learning in the classroom.

Since returning to Belfast, Joseph has worked as a supply teacher at De La Salle College and, from January 2024, has been teaching Music, English, and Home Economics. He loves contributing to the school community and has enjoyed co-directing the most recent school show, assisting the school choir, and helping to grow the Greenhouse Project — a fantastic initiative promoting sustainability and teamwork.

Beyond teaching, he is passionate about exploring the world and experiencing different cultures. Recently, he became a volunteer with the Ulster Project, where he mentors teens from diverse backgrounds, helping them develop leadership and interpersonal skills during trips to America. In his downtime, he unwinds by connecting with friends worldwide on gaming platforms, a hobby that keeps Joseph grounded and fosters friendships across borders. These experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, continue to shape him as an educator and individual.