Christopher Rushmere-York - Drama trainee

Year of study

2021/22

What were you doing before SCITT?

Before SCITT I spent seven years working in hospitality after I completed my Drama and Theatre degree in 2014. In those seven years I periodically worked as an actor and director during my free time as well as completing an actor training course at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. However, teaching has always been the dream.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

Teaching has been a career path I have always wanted to take. Both my parents are teachers so I have been involved in school life since I could walk. All I needed was an extra push and to find the subject I wanted to teach for me to pick up the torch and start a new family tradition.

Why did you choose North East SCITT?

I have always learnt better by 'doing' and the SCITT route offered me the chance to do just that. The course is very hands on and we are exposed to the classroom environment within the first few weeks which not many other courses offer. Getting to teach early and hone your practice from the get-go is the biggest reason I chose North East SCITT. Why would you choose anywhere else?

What would you say to anyone thinking of teaching?

Don't just consider it, do It. Teaching is a rewarding career. Is it hard? Yes, any job is but the satisfaction you get when one of your pupils truly understands their learning is an amazing feeling.

What has been your favourite part of training so far?

Personally, it has been the chance to create and adapt lessons in my own way. Every teacher is different, and this shows not just through your classroom practice but also your lessons. In a creative subject like drama, every lesson should have an element of practical in it and the joy that comes from your pupils when they get a chance to perform is second to none.

How does teaching differ from your previous career?

I originally wanted to work in the theatre industry as a director, however, I always felt like something was missing. The theatre industry is hard to break into, but I very quickly realised that I was not as passionate about it as I was about teaching. I’m the happiest I have ever been and that’s purely because I love what I’m doing. Not many careers are as emotionally fulfilling as teaching. If I had had the confidence seven years ago to do this, I would have. Now I am in a career I genuinely love.

Do you have any tips or advice for potential trainees?

Sometimes it's hard and sometimes you will question yourself but just know that SCITT and your placement schools are right behind you. Whenever you need something they are only and e-mail away with the answer you need. To quote Doctor Who: “The way I see it every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad but vice-versa, the bad things don’t necessarily spoil the good things”.