Joanna Conn

Current role: science adviser
Previous career: research scientist

Joanna spent a number of years as a research scientist before deciding to become a science teacher. She chose to make a career change because, "I really enjoy being around people and the interactions that brings. In my former job I would spend most of my day in front of a machine or analysing results on a computer. Then I was given a chance to make a presentation in front of a large number of people and I found to my surprise that I really enjoyed it. I suddenly realised I had these two skills of interacting and communicating and yet I wasn’t really using them. I also felt that I wanted to make a difference to young people and realised teaching was a career that would allow me to do that."

Asked what she has found particularly rewarding in her new role, Joanna says: "The difference between being a scientist and being a teacher is that when you’re a teacher you get this instant feedback, and it’s great to see the reactions of pupils straight away. Plus when your working with children there’s never a dull moment! I also enjoy the creativity I have now. I’ve discovered you can really put your personality into a lesson. In fact, I’ve used some unusual teaching aids in my time – anything from jelly babies to balloons to help bring the subject to life."

Joanna also has some advice for those thinking about choosing teaching as a career. "What they really need to do is experience a classroom. They should go and get the feel for a classroom and the role. See what its like. See the different experiences they can have in different types of classes with various age ranges. That way they’ll be able to decide whether teaching is for them and if so, what area would suit them best."