Teacher Profile: John-Paul McManus
Year(s) and Subject(s) Taught Head of Year 5 and Primary School Teacher
How long have you been teaching? 9 years
What do you do in your free time? I enjoy playing various sports including football and swimming. I also enjoy travelling, experiencing new cultures and spending time with my family and friends.
Why did you become a teacher? Why did you choose teaching as a profession? I decided to be become a teacher as I enjoy working with other people. I love the fact that each day is different and that the time flies. I love learning from others and sharing this with my students.
Tell us about your own education journey. I initially obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics & Finance from Keele University and became a Project Manager. During this time, I decided I wanted to accomplish my goal to see the world and so I opted to complete a CELTA qualification from Cambridge University and moved to Lisbon and taught at IL Nova University. It was there I realised that the job felt more like a hobby and so I decided to complete my PGCE after travelling extensively around Asia and Australasia. I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from Brunel University London and taught in London for 4 years before moving to South East Asia.
What is the most memorable moment in your teaching career so far? There are so many wonderful memories of individual student achievement that stick in my memory and lessons that have had unexpected outcomes, but when I sat on a deserted beach in Langkawi, looking out across the Straits of Malacca, with just my Year 6 class and colleagues for company has to be one of my favourites. To think I had organized this wonderful educational experience and this was a job was great.
What do you like most about teaching? I love how every day is different. You are always learning and the time flies. You get to meet wonderful and enthusiastic people who are always keen for students and colleagues to achieve their full potential.
What is the best thing about teaching at your school? The teachers, facilities, students and whole school atmosphere promotes a fun, collaborative and active learning environment. It is a very supportive and friendly place to work.
Who or what inspires you? There are so many people who have inspired me; from family members, to past teachers to colleagues at my school. I am inspired by those who want to make a difference, not because it is easy but because it is the right thing to do. My brother campaigns for climate change after a full days work, my colleague Anthony Boyle helps out at a soup kitchen on the weekends and many famous people who have acted and done something when it is hard to do so inspire me to want to do better.