Day in the life: Assistant Headteacher
Josiah Isles
Josiah is an Assistant Headteacher who is passionate about teaching and improving the life chances of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
I wanted to go into teaching because …
I wanted to be a positive role model and help students to achieve their dreams. I also really enjoyed it! I moved from a scientific consultancy background in the chemical industry which involved some teaching/lecturing. I found that I enjoyed that part of the job far more than any other so it just made sense! I haven’t looked back since!
A particular passion for me is supporting the development of students from Black and minority ethnic groups and inspiring them to realise their full potential unfettered by social biases.
A typical day in my job…
Is never boring and always varied! It involves helping to run the school as part of the Senior Leadership Team. Day to day I look after the disadvantaged students in the school and helping to ensure that they are closing the gap with their more socio-economically advantaged counterparts. I also teach science from years 7 – 11 and I really enjoy helping students to understand the world around them using biology, chemistry and physics.
The most challenging thing about my job …
Challenging behaviour and low expectations from students (and staff and parents at times!)
And being unable to help with some of the heart-breaking experiences that our students go through out of school. Being able to switch off and just relax. Usually takes me about a week of half term before I’m out of school mode!
Diverse role models are important in education …
Without these role-models, social mobility is difficult at best, impossible at worst. How can we ask our young people to aspire to a range of careers if they have no awareness of these industries? Being able to relate to the person in front of you is so important and fundamental to building a successful working relationship in a school. Being taught by diverse role models also helps to prepare students for interacting with the diverse mix of ethnicities in British society on a professional level.
The biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career due to my race …
Unconscious bias in the classroom and out of it.
Direct abuse from students verbally or via social media.
Facing racist abuse in my personal life and then having to pretend all is well the following day at work.
The best career advice I’ve received was….
I’ve got a top three!
1. Be yourself and don’t let imposter syndrome win! You deserve your place and every success.
2. Don’t be afraid to say no, even at work. Your integrity is more important than being agreeable.
3. Work life balance is crucial. You are no good to anybody if you burn out from overworking.
The three qualities I think you need for this career are …
1. Empathy
2. Relentlessly high expectations and belief in yourself and the young people we teach
3. Passion for improving life chances of the students entrusted into our care
The best thing about my job …
I can help students and their families in a wide variety of ways. Every time a student achieves something new or leaves school with qualifications that enable them to take their next step I find it very fulfilling personally.
What I do to switch off …
Hit the gym, go for a long bike ride, look after my own children and lots of reading!
