Michael Smith

St Mary's CBGS

https://stmaryscbgs.com

Subject or Primary School Year: History and LLW

Place of Birth: Belfast

Where you studied: History and Sociology in Queen's followed by History with SEN PGCE in UU Coleraine

What was your first job? Maths Learning Support Tutor 

What did your first job teach you? The importance of organisation, communication and it confirmed my desire to embark upon a career in the Youth and Education Sector.

Best advice you would give to someone thinking of a teaching career: Never underestimate the importance, and the impact, of being present and caring. Your interest and consistency can build the foundations of a young person's success.

Following Michael's departure from St Mary’s CBGS in 2011, he went on to study History and Sociology in Queen’s University Belfast. While studying for his degree, he returned to St Mary’s in a tutoring capacity, assisting teachers and students in GCSE and A Level Maths. This led Michael to a one-year post as a classroom assistant, working with Year 12 classes in 2015. With this experience, he embarked upon a PGCE in UU Coleraine, studying History with SEN Inclusion.

Since the completion of his PGCE, Michael lived and worked in Dublin for four years, as a teacher in Rathfarnham where he fulfilled the role of Junior Cycle year head, TEFL tutor and coordinator of student exchange trips. During this time, he also worked as an education officer for an all-island charitable youth organisation, where he developed after-school STEM programmes and supports for the primary and secondary students of Tallaght.

One such programme gained recognition at the Google Awards for its contribution to the local community. Upon his return to Belfast, Michael worked as an Engage teacher before moving to the History department, where he currently teaches History and Learning for Life and Work, while fulfilling the role of Head of Year 9. Outside of work, he is an avid follower of sports, often travelling to Premier League and Champions League matches throughout the season. He has also dedicated his time to training and, subsequentally, providing support for vulnerable young people through his role as a Voluntary Counsellor with Childline.