Why did you want to become a teacher?

After finishing my Master’s degree I worked as a librarian for an international investment bank in the City of London, and while there was a lot I did enjoy about my job, I also found myself struggling to really care deeply about what I was doing and who I was helping. It was then that I moved to Hong Kong and into school libraries where I found a much greater sense of purpose and meaning from my work.

What is your first memory from school?

A rainy lunchtime, so we had to stay in the classroom. One of the dinner ladies (a wonderful British initiation!) entertained the whole class by making us act our “Curly Cs” and “Kicking Ks”).

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

A good day at school is one where a student has realised that the library is so much more than just a physical space with some books.

If I walked into your classroom on a typical afternoon, what would I see going on?

You will likely see a busy library. Some students will be reading while comfortably relaxing on the sofas, others will be recommending books to their friends, upper school students will be working together around a table.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen because I can re-read that book over and over. The Republic by Plato as it is great exercise for the brain. A new edition to my list would be The Foal in the Wire by Robbie Coburn to remind me how simple and beautiful language can be

What’s the funniest thing a child has ever said to you?

I’m afraid my lips are sealed on that account.

What is the hardest thing about being a teacher?

It’s hard because I often want to do more, to help a student more, to help more students.

What inspires you?

Seeing young people with such exciting adventures and endless possibilities ahead of them

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Creating and raising two actual human beings. I’m afraid most other things pale into insignificance compared to that.

What would students be surprised to find out about you?

The furthest I have run is 115km and I have skydived. If you watch people skydiving on TV it looks like they are flying, but I can tell you it just feels like you’re falling like a stone!