Teacher Profile: Rachel Eaton-Jones
Year(s) and Subject(s) Taught
Head of Prep (3 – 13 years old)
How long have you been teaching?
31 years.
Why did you become a teacher? Why did you choose teaching as a profession?
I had always wanted to be a Blue Peter presenter and had pestered the BBC with letters. As university came to a close I realised that with my family living overseas I needed to be a little more realistic. I loved my degree, so looked for something connected to Psychology. The role of an Educational Psychologist sounded appealing, but I needed to be trained as a teacher first. I was sent on work experience for a fortnight before the course started and fell for the job – hook, line and sinker.
Tell us about your own education journey!
I studied at the West London Institute, it had really inspiring and thought provoking staff. I started working within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames – it was such a dynamic place to start a teaching career. Whatever the confusion of the introduction of the National Curriculum, inspiring teaching to get children asking the questions was the focus throughout the Borough. My first Headteacher was all you could wish for – incredible teacher, passionate about pupils and staff, committed to getting us all to fly – and ALWAYS smartly dressed!
What is the most memorable moment in your teaching career so far?
Luckily in this, the best job in the world, each week brings one ….
What do you like most about teaching?
The sheer optimism of interaction with pupils. I love seeing them start to trust us and then trust in themselves. Their confidence grows and their success with it.
What is the best thing about teaching at your school?
A fantastic team with a firm sense of family. I love the sense of joy that creates alongside our day job of being very purposeful.
Who or what inspires you?
My ‘what ‘is the sea. I used to swim in the sea most mornings and it is one of the things I miss most about the UK; that and lapsang souchong tea. My ‘who’ is my family - all day, every day.
What is the one thing you wish all students would do?
Believe in themselves as much as we believe in them. I meet too many people who wished they’d been braver when they were younger – carpe diem!