In this blog post, I interview the wonderful Emily, a retired educator from England, UK.
Vicky: Can you tell me a bit about yourself? Emily: I taught for twenty-nine years in Primary Education, serving as a class teacher, advisory teacher (Maths and IT), and Deputy Head. I made the decision to leave full-time teaching at the age of fifty due to my husband’s ill health. Over the next ten years, I dedicated my time to training classroom assistants and teaching assistants, working part-time. I was also a trained Assessor and collaborated with the University of Lancaster on various projects.
Vicky: How long have you been retired for?
Emily: I have been retired for fifteen years.
Vicky: What were the most rewarding aspects of your career in education, and how did they evolve over time?
Emily: The most rewarding aspects of my career were the relationships I built with the children and their families. These relationships became increasingly fulfilling as my confidence grew. Teaching Year 3 and Year 6 students brought me the greatest joy and fun.
Vicky: Could you share any tips for a smooth transition into retirement?
Emily: My advice would be not to say, “I’m not going to do anything now that I’m retired.”
Vicky: Did you give up paid work after retiring from being a teacher/headteacher?
Emily: Yes, I gave up paid work and instead took on voluntary roles.
Vicky: What did you do if you continued employment, and did you need any more training?
Emily: I did have training in Citizen’s Advice, where I served as an adviser for five years. In Health and Care volunteering, I received training in various areas, including By-Stander training, health inequalities, and Enter and View with Healthwatch.
Vicky: How did you stay engaged with the education community or pursue new interests and passions after retirement?
Emily: As a result of navigating the complex Health and Care services system with my husband, I developed new interests, particularly a passion for joined-up thinking, regardless of whether you are a service user or service provider. I strongly advocate for preventative care.
Vicky: What do you miss about working in a school?
Emily: I miss the children and the role of being a class teacher. It was a privilege to know that I had contributed to their learning and development, and I cherished the appreciation I received.
Vicky: What advice would you give to educators near the end of their careers who are looking to make the most of their post-retirement years?
Emily: Teaching can be a very tiring and often exhausting occupation, and you may feel ready for a rest. However, there are numerous opportunities out there that can be incredibly energizing. These opportunities need not be related to teaching.
Vicky: What advice would you give to educators at the start of their careers looking to make the most of their post-retirement years?
Emily: Make the most of every opportunity you encounter during your career, whether it involves changing schools, settings, age groups, or subjects. I really did not want to do supply teaching. However, sometimes, these experiences within a school or across several schools, as I did, can serve you well when transitioning to retirement. You may find that they open unexpected doors.
Thank you so much, Emily; we are incredibly grateful for your insights and time.
