The Head Teacher Interview

The Head Teacher

In our series of finding more about people and their jobs we interviewed a head teacher and asked hm about his job as the head of a South East London primary school.

Course Feeder (CF): Hi, what is your name and what is your job title?

Lee Mason-Ellis (LME): My name is Lee Mason-Ellis and I am an Executive head teacher 

CF: How long have you been a head teacher?

LME: I became a Head Teacher in 2008

CF: What made you want to become a head teacher?

LME: I had a very clear vision and set of educational values, and wanted to have a greater impact on more children's lives.

CF: What relevant head teacher qualifications do you hold?

LME: BA Ed (HONS) and NPQH

CF: How long did it take you to qualify as a head teacher?

LME: The NPQH takes around a year to eighteen months but I wouldn't say that fully prepares you for headship.

CF: What does a typical day working as a head teacher look like?

LME: Impossible question to answer - everyday is different - everyday!

CF: What is the best thing about working as a head teacher?

LME: Making a significant differences to children's lives.

CF: If you didn't working as a head teacher, what would be your dream job and why?

LME: Rugby League coach!

CF: What do you do in you down time?

LME: Work - the head's role is all consuming.

CF: For someone looking to work as a head teacher what advice would you give them?

LME: Make sure you spend time being grounded in you deputy role - do not rush into headship. Try to hit the ground running in your first headship.

CF: How does your current job compare to your previous jobs?

LME: I love my job but I also loved being a teacher.

CF: Thank you for your time and good luck in your chosen profession.