The new generation of teachers

They are essential ingredients in the reinvigoration of the profession bringing enthusiasm, an eagerness to learn and a host of fresh and stimulating ideas. Their relish for interaction with the pupils gives them a real opportunity for meaningful engagement to make their lessons fruitful and fun.

Amongst the NQTs beginning in Craven schools is Diane Cooper at Greatwood Primary in Skipton - pictured above - and Esther Smith at South Craven. Their journey to the chalk face has been rather different.

Diane, a mature student and mother of three, comes from a teaching dynasty, always wanted to teach and as the youngest of eight had plenty of feedback on the appeal of the job from two elder brothers who were already embarked upon their teaching careers. Mother, three sisters-in-law, a nephew and a niece completed the family advice team.

The year was 1989, the National Curriculum was imminent, it was a time of change and uncertainty and her brothers advised her to wait a while until the new schemes had overcome teething difficulties and teaching had returned to more tranquil waters. Little did they know that the ever more rolling breakers of change would wash up on the educational shore leaving schools reeling in the surf, occasionally bobbing above the surface for air.

Nevertheless Diane, after a period in the finance industry with Royal Insurance, getting married and becoming a mum, enrolled at St Martin's College at Ambleside on an 18 month flexible teacher training course on the lines of the Open University which allowed her to undertake much of her study from home and experience teaching practice in local schools.

Qualifying at Easter 2005, followed by a term's supply teaching at Ings Primary, she was lucky to gain a permanent post at Greatwood. Lucky because Skipton is a popular place to live and teach, there are always a large number of applicants for each post and, with current demographics leading to falling rolls, to land a job is a prize capture as competition is fierce.

Asked how she was liking the job so far Diane replied: "Great, I am really enjoying it. The school is friendly, the staff are very supportive, and so far the experience has been really positive, action packed and exhilarating."

Diane is ebullient and effervescent, exudes confidence and self belief. She has a clear focus and zest for the challenges ahead and the nervous excitement that goes with it. She feels the experience of motherhood and her role in guiding and nurturing her young family, have given her an insight into child development that has helped enormously in establishing an understanding and rapport with her class of six-year-olds.

The camaraderie and team ethos amongst the staff led by the charismatic and innovative head teacher John Collings has helped her settle in.

"We all face the daily challenges with a smile," she chirrups.

Asked about her philosophy of managing and motivating a class and what her greatest attributes were she replied without hesitation: "My voice, my face, and my routines."

What a pleasant surprise! No boring lists of 'eduspeak' strategies and objectives; no intimation of too great a dependence on technological props and gadgets. Just a statement of the qualities that have underpinned the careers of educators since time immemorial.

Diane says her voice has always been strong and well projected - "It was a matter of survival when growing up as the youngest chick in a crowded nest," she ventured. Her face is very expressive a multi-faceted and subtle tool of control, in attracting and sustaining attention, and concentration amongst her pupils. Her routines help the children feel secure and know what is expected of them.

She hopes the children have so much fun they learn without realising it! A spoonful of sugar approach is a technique her sunny personality seems admirably equipped to dispense.

At South Craven, Esther Smith has passed through school and university followed by a PGCE at Leeds University, on a seamless progression towards the classroom.

Esther had the advantage of spending one of her teaching practices in the art department at South Craven which she enjoyed enormously. Clearly the school must have been impressed with her and offered her a permanent post for September 2005. Esther jumped at the chance to return. It set her heart racing as soon as she saw the advertisement.

She had really enjoyed her practice at the school and found it to be a friendly place, where the children were responsive and allowed her to ply her craft in a fulfilling way.

She was undaunted at the prospect of working in such a large school, mainly because she was already familiar with the school environment and there were several recognisable friendly faces to put her at ease.

Esther was keen to praise the staff for the help they have given her to settle in.

"I have had brilliant support from my subject mentor and from the head of faculty," she said. "This has made me feel secure and boosted my confidence."

Also Esther enjoys the contact with other NQTs in the school and meets regularly with senior members of staff to monitor progress and ease induction. It might be a big school but there is a lot of help and guidance at a very personal level.

No surprise that so far she has found her new job very busy.

Esther spent most of her summer holidays preparing for the new term. The task had added urgency as she had been appointed as a teacher of textiles rather than art.

Nonetheless, undeterred, Esther redoubled her efforts with sustained bursts of youthful endeavour and willingness to embrace her 'Brave New World.'

Asked about the differences of doing it for real rather than practice she replied: "It's great having your own classroom, a base for your displays and resources and a chance to see topics through to completion and building relationships with the pupils."

Summarising the start she has made Esther said: "It has been good, very good. I know I have a lot to learn but I am confident I will get better as I learn new things every day.

"The job is tiring but very satisfying, and like all the teachers I am looking forward to the holiday."

Teaching for the first time is hard work and however well trained you are, you are bound to learn from experience and she is confident some things will be easier next time round.

Esther feels that the qualities she possesses to make her a good teacher are a calmness of approach, being well organised, creative and the ability to bring some fresh ideas.

Esther is young, professional with an abundance of enthusiasm, an infectious energy and ability to relate to the young people she teaches.

She has an elfin-like magic which gives you every optimism for teaching and learning in the next generation.