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Elvira Bridget Peixin Lee

PGCE International (Secondary), 2021

Based in:

Rome, Italy

Teacher in-charge of Psychology at St George’s British International School

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

I teach International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Psychology to 16-18 year olds. I have been teaching psychology at sixth form level for the past 12 years. I was attracted to this role because I have a sense of autonomy to decide how I want to deliver the course. It is also a position at a great school, and in a beautiful city.

What’s your favourite part of your role?

Having autonomy to deliver the course and interacting with young people. I’m always curious about how they think. You always need to find new and creative ways to engage with different cohorts of students. Being a teacher is never dull. There are new challenges every day! It keeps you on your toes.

What are the key skills you learnt at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ that have helped you with your career to date?

Learning the different aspects of teaching a good lesson. I still apply it today!

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at ¹û¶³´«Ã½?

I was already a teacher, but I wanted a formal training in education so that I could get opportunities to work abroad.

What top tips do you have for ¹û¶³´«Ã½ graduates who would like to work in your sector?

Keep working on your craft of teaching, and build good relationships with other teachers and leaders who believe in your abilities. Keep applying for jobs even if you have been told ‘no’ many times!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up at 6.15am, get the train, and I’m at school by 7.30am. I have a coffee, and check my emails and the notices for the school day. I do any printing and mentally prepare for the lessons I have to teach.

At 8.45am I take the register for my tutor group and start teaching my first lesson at 8.55am. I usually teach 4-5 lessons a day. In between, if I have a break, I try to prepare for some lessons, mark assignments, check emails. Lunch break is an hour and a half, during which I have lunch but also lunch duty or I schedule meetings with students who need extra help.

School ends at 3.35pm and I take the train home. I go to the gym for an hour, then come home and continue for a couple of hours with preparing for lessons for the next day. I then cook dinner and relax.

What ambitions do you have for the future?

I wish to get a research article published in an education magazine or journal.