Gillian McCotter

St Paul's Primary School 

www.stpaulsmica.com

Subject or Primary School Year: Vice Principal / P5

Place of Birth: Belfast

Where you studied: St Louises and then St Mary's University College

What was your first job? Working in Poundstretcher when it was in the old Victoria Square.

What did your first job teach you? The retail sector was not the job for me and it encouraged me to work harder to become a teacher. I also realised the value of friendships because it's not everyone you can get along with. This also reinforces the importance of good communication and professionalism in the workplace.

Family/Status: I have three children aged 14, 20 and 22.

Best advice you would give to someone thinking of a teaching career: Get plenty of work experience in a school to see if it's really what you think it is. There is still a misconception that school finishes at three so its best to understand what's involved. There are different challenges nowadays but being a teacher can still be the most rewarding vocation. Try it before you commit yourself. 

Gillian is the eldest of three children and all her life she wanted to teach. The value of education was always instilled in herself and two brothers by her parents, in particular her daddy, who would always say, 'education is easy carried.' She has spent most of her teaching career in challenging areas.

Gillian was lucky enough to get a permanent job straight out of St Mary's in a country school in Fermanagh where she lived for three years. It was a great place to live and socialise and she has very fond memories of how welcome the community made her feel, however, Belfast was home so she left to take up a post in the New Lodge which she also loved.

After her PQH she got a Vice Principal job in St Paul's Primary and she is still here. Every day is different and not without its challenges but the Beechmount community and parents are amazing, she says. She genuinely loves working at the school and loves the children especially. It is a fantastic, diverse school and each child brings something new to enrich the curriculum. She has always felt supported and valued at the school, not just by the staff, but Sean McNamee the principal.