I Got Hired: Spanish Teacher

Posted on: 23 November 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Niamh Collins is a Class of 2022 French and Hispanic Studies graduate, now working as a Spanish Teacher at All Saints Catholic High School.

I had been working at All Saints Catholic High School, Liverpool, as a Spanish Language Assistant in the 2 years prior during the build up to exams, and early 2023 I was offered a full-time position within the languages department.

I graduated in 2022 after receiving an offer from the British Council to work as an Auxiliar de Conversación (English Language Assistant) in a High School in Córdoba, Spain.

This is a really popular step for language graduates, however, I really didn't enjoy the experience for multiple reasons and ended up leaving the post after a term.

Once I arrived back to Liverpool, I contacted my old employer to let them know I was back in the city and looking for work. A position opened up in the department soon after and I accepted the job as a teacher.

Using the knowledge, I acquired throughout my degree to teach others and promote language learning. Because I work in the area I grew up in too, it is a really special experience encouraging the children of my community to pursue languages like I did.

My top 3 tips for current students:

1. Try a bit of everything! I never considered teaching but it has taught me so much about language acquisition and my career goals.
2. You're still young, you don't have to have it figured out as nobody does.
3. Enjoy your time there!