"In my second year, I had a complex class. It shook me, and I got quite ill. I was trying to do everything and cater to everyone. I had 29 students in year two, five of them were complex cases. I went to the doctor with this weird head feeling and sore back. He noticed I was run down and tired. I lifted up my T-shirt, and the doctor says, 'Whoa, you've got shingles.' He said, for someone my age it wasn't good."
"You know I've only been teaching for eight years and becoming a deputy is a highlight. I didn't know what I wanted, but I always knew I wanted more than a classroom. I didn't have that in mind for myself until I was in my 40s and 50s because unfortunately, that's what you see. I'm not saying that's wrong, but women have kids, and if you leave it takes so long to work back up if you're not already in a higher role. I feel really lucky that I've got to Deputy within eight years of teaching."
She also points out the challenges of working in complex schools.
You know I've only been teaching for EIGHT YEARS and becoming a DEPUTY is a HIGHLIGHT.
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