Do you remember your favourite teacher in school? Or maybe you have fond memories of a teaching assistant who took the time to help you. Perhaps you want to find work that fits around the school run.
There are many roles in education; from administrative staff to dinner ladies, teaching staff and more. Whatever it is that you want to do, here are seven personal qualities, or personality traits, which might make you suitable for a job in the education world.
Patience
Whether you want to work with children in schools or adults in a college, patience is required to deal with a large number of people in a classroom or building. Sometimes students will need something explained a few times, or in a different way, to help them understand. Likewise, while one way of teaching may work for one student, it may not work for another. Everyone learns differently.
Calmness
Education environments are busy. There could be disruptions throughout the day while you are trying to complete a task. Being able to remain calm and helping others relax in chaotic or emotional situations is a valuable personal quality for a job in education.
Communication
There’s a good reason that communication is key is such a well-known phrase! Having good communication skills is useful for helping students and colleagues understand instructions or information clearly. Being able to make complex information simple is essential if you want to work with young children.
Organisation
School environments are often also used by other establishments, such as small nurseries. You will likely have daily communication with children, their parents, staff, suppliers and many more who may be involved in the day-to-day of where you work. Being able to manage many tasks at the same time and staying organised is one of the top valuable skills for working in schools that employers will look for.
Creativity
Using creativity to design exciting activities for the classroom, visual displays, or reading nooks helps students to engage with learning. Having a positive learning environment supports student wellbeing and remembering information.
Kindness
It doesn’t matter if you work in the classroom or behind the scenes. Kindness towards others and having an understanding of other people’s situations and emotions is important in any job in education. There may be situations where students have come from challenging backgrounds or are experiencing issues at home who need your support and a positive role model.
Good humour
At the end of the day, we are all human. Having a bit of fun and humour will help you to build a good relationship with the people you work with and the students.
Ready to take your first steps into a job in education? Check out the variety of education and childcare courses we offer to help you build the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in getting a job in a school, college or childcare setting.
