Now Teach finds and supports career changers in teaching. Now Teachers bring a range of backgrounds and quality experience to the education system. What they share is a passion to do something new, which is challenging and makes a difference to young people. Now Teachers want to give something back to their communities.
There are now hundreds of different types of courses offered by hundreds of different training providers to become a secondary school teacher in England so rather than invent a new one, we guide you to the most appropriate one for you; then work with you and your training provider throughout the early years of your career to accelerate your progress as a teacher.
Sameera Asad Cooper worked in fashion for two decades, including as a head of buying for French Connection. But she found that eventually she really wanted to give back to her community and do something which felt meaningful. Inspired by her enjoyment of homeschooling during the pandemic, she retrained as a Chemistry teacher and now works at a school in London.
In an interview with Asian Voice, she spoke about a career change, the impact it has had on her life and advised how other people can follow in their footsteps if they feel inspired to.
How scary is the idea of a career change?
I have a love/hate relationship to change. I realise I absolutely thrive being out of my comfort zone but it begins with a feeling of terror. The idea of a career change was only possible with having an incredibly supportive family who encouraged me to take the first step into the unknown.
What amount of reflection and consulting does it take to reach a level of confidence to switch careers?
Sometimes it’s more about freedom to take a risk combined with having the confidence to actually do it. For me, I was super familiar with supporting my children’s secondary education which was further intensified during the lockdown. It felt intuitive and then I got in touch with Nowteach and they facilitated my switch.
Is a change of career different for men versus women? What's your take?
I think women are flexible and naturally reflective which gives them freedom intellectually to assess their choices. Whether they are in a position or not to make those changes is a different thing but we definitively see them as opportunities.
What are the vital steps to make the right decision to change your career?
Get professional guidance and advice. I had a good friend who had previously switched careers and was part of the Nowteach cohort 2020. She pointed me that way and then I was able to ask all the right questions. Practicalities such as funding, qualification requirements, timings etc. It’s essential to become informed so you can make decisions that suit your circumstances.
How supportive was your family about this?
Very supportive, my children are 17, 15 and 12 and they have been my champions on this journey. Always attentive and curious, and often quite honest and critical if they think I’ve been too strict!
How fulfilling is a career in teaching?
Immensely rewarding, teaching is hard work but fulfilling. The rigour of the classroom has such incredible energy and camaraderie I find it exhilarating. Also, the challenge intellectually of constantly improving my scientific knowledge to support my students is very satisfying.
Do you miss your previous career?
Not at all! My pupils know I previously worked in fashion and when I look back I don’t regret a moment of it. I feel very fortunate to have been able to change career and find something I love. It’s surprised me because the training year was tough, I didn’t think I would overcome the transition. My mentor would constantly say that it gets easier and more natural. I didn’t believe her, but she was right.
What drives you to keep going and sticking to this one?
A strong sense of responsibility to my pupils, colleagues and to the school. As a career change teacher, my previous experience puts my new career into context. The social responsibility runs deep within me and as a parent in such an unsettled world, I also want to give a consistent and solid presence to my students.
In future, would you possibly make another change?
Ha! Good question, I’ve certainly become more curious so who knows what’s around the corner…. But definitely no time soon!
