Teacher Profiles - New Zealand

Lynette O'Connor

• Age: 28
• Address: Birmingham, UK
• Work: Primary Teacher
• From: Christchurch, NZ

What helped you settle in once you arrived in the UK?

When we arrived in the UK we knew we wanted to work but we had no accommodation and no information on how to go about teaching. I contacted TimePlan and they were a great help! They found us a very affordable guesthouse in Birmingham that had its own kitchen. They also gave me all the information I needed to know about teaching in Birmingham. They helped me open a bank account, get my CRB check and police check done. I was able to start teaching instantly.

What do you wish you had/hadn’t brought with you?

We brought over far too much stuff. Don’t worry about bringing many clothes with you as they are so cheap to buy here. I wish we had only brought about half of what we did – we ended up posting stuff home. The one thing I do recommend bringing is a puffer jacket – it is very cold in the winter and this was the best thing ever.

What did TimePlan do well?

TimePlan has given me a lot of work. I have worked everyday this term and most of last term doing day supply which is exactly what I asked for. They provide good support in the form of follow up phone calls after going to a new school to see how things went, and regular social events to get to know people.

How have you brought your own culture/ethnicity into the UK classroom?

The children love the fact that you are from somewhere so far away and they are keen to hear about it. I just taught in the style that I did at home and it was fine.

What have you learnt in the British education system that you would apply at home?

I have learned how to effectively use a teacher assistant/aide – something I never learned in NZ.

What have been the highlights for you so far?

Travelling around Europe – flights are affordable and Europe is so close and easy to get to. Paris was amazing – you must see it. We are going back before we leave.

What would you say to encourage another teacher from your country to teach in the UK ?

Go for it! It is a great experience teaching overseas. I have learned so much here. Getting to travel is the best thing ever. I found that London was too busy for my liking so we settled in Birmingham for a few months and loved it. The public transport system is brilliant – you don’t need a car as the cost of insurance is really high (and compulsory).