Noorizah Motala

Current role: science teacher
Previous career: pharmaceutical rep

After spending seven years working in the pharmaceutical industry in Mauritius, Noorizah came to the UK and decided to enter the teaching profession. She feels the research she carried out helped her choose the right course. "I started reading about the different ways into teaching on the TDA website and one of the routes that appealed to me was the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP). Then I went to a job fair where the TDA had a stand and found out more information about all the possible routes into teaching available. I also spent some time in schools observing classes before applying, which really convinced me that teaching was the career for me."

Noozirah now teaches science at Longford Community College, and she feels there are many benefits to her new career. "I feel like I’ve definitely made the right choice. I smile much more, I laugh much more. I enjoy building relationships and the pastoral care side of teaching. I didn’t have time to build those types of relationships before. I also enjoy communicating, and when you can see that you’re being responded to in a positive way that makes a huge difference."

Noozirah believes the experience she gained outside of teaching has also helped her in the classroom. "I used to be a very shy person but during my job as a medical rep I learnt a lot of new skills and gained a lot more confidence. I found my communication skills also improved, which is obviously useful now I’m teaching."

Asked whether she has any advice for anyone considering going into teaching, Noorizah says: "I would advise people to do their research beforehand and maybe try and visit a few schools to see if it’s the type of job for them. I think if you’re considering making a career change like I did, then the Transition to Teaching Programme is a great way of getting into the profession."