Sarah Leighton
TeacherLife before Teesside High School
Before Teesside High School, I worked in an international school in Singapore as an English teacher. I found this to be a very enriching experience that allowed me the opportunity to work with educators from all over the globe and immerse myself in a different culture. My partner and I decided to return back to the UK after the birth of our child, to be closer to family and friends.
Prior to this, I taught in several mainstream secondary schools in the North East, and worked as a Literacy Coordinator, KS3 Leader and additional needs teacher.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like teaching students about media literacy and how to critically evaluate the texts they engage with. This is particularly important in our digital age, with the plethora of fake news we see on online platforms and social media sites. In addition, I enjoy watching students working together with their peers to understand challenging concepts and ideas, and supporting them to reach the ‘light bulb’ moment, when everything makes sense!
What do you enjoy most about Teesside High School?
I like that the students at Teesside High School have lots of different interests and are not afraid to be themselves. They are keen to learn and approach lessons with enthusiasm and a proactive attitude.
What is your favourite time of the year?
Having worked abroad in the heat for several years, I am grateful for the cooler climate here. I enjoy watching the leaves change colour in autumn and playing in the snow with my little girl.
What do others say about you?
I pride myself on being empathetic, open-minded and eager to learn. Hopefully they agree!
