Having graduated in 2021 with a BA in Social Anthropology, Mathilde talks about her career as a teacher at Teach First.
Tell us about your career journey since graduating from LSE.
After graduating from LSE, I was unsure what to do and I fell into the marketing industry, working as a “Customer Success Coordinator”. The company specialised in marketing technology and catered to major beauty brands like L’Oréal. Whilst working there, I became more confident in a professional setting and realised I had strong communication skills. However, to reference the late LSE Anthropology professor David Graeber, I was working a “bullshit job” and I pivoted towards education as I wanted to make a positive impact on young people. I discovered the education charity Teach First and saw I could train to be a teacher whilst also earning a salary teaching in England’s most at-need schools.
How did studying Anthropology at LSE prepare you for your career?
As I currently teach at a diverse school which celebrates cultural differences, it is no surprise that Anthropology has greatly helped me prepare for this part of my career. Through studying Anthropology at LSE, I developed a nuanced perspective on the similarities and differences that exist among people. More specifically, Anthropology equipped me with an acute understanding of societies and how they are shaped by gender, race, power, politics, and religion. As an English teacher, this is vastly beneficial for two reasons; firstly, it allows me to better understand the various cultural contexts of pupils in the classroom, fostering a deeper connection with my students; secondly, it facilitates discussions on literature that resonate with their diverse experiences. By drawing on my anthropological studies, I can navigate difficult topics with cultural sensitivity, encouraging an inclusive and open environment where students feel seen and heard. This understanding also enables me to incorporate a broader range of perspectives into my teaching, helping students appreciate the complexities of human societies reflected in the literature we explore together.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
By completing my training with Teach First, I could step into the classroom from day one, allowing me to make a tangible difference in the lives of my students right from the start. One of the aspects that I find particularly rewarding is the dynamic nature of each day. Teaching is inherently diverse, presenting a myriad of challenges and rewards. Every day brings new opportunities to engage with pupils, address their needs, and witness their growth. This constant variation means no two days are the same.
What are some important lessons you’ve learnt during your career?
One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is having confidence in my own abilities. Developing and realising my inner confidence has empowered me to take on challenges and make decisions with conviction.
Key also to this is the importance of continuous reflection. Taking the time to assess my actions, decisions, and outcomes has allowed me to identify areas for improvement and refine my approach. This ongoing self-evaluation not only enhances my skills but also fosters a mindset of adaptability and continuous learning.
What advice would you give students who are considering a career in teaching? What opportunities are available to start a career?
Do it! I can’t stress enough how much I’d recommend this as a career. If you are not sure what you want to do, but you know you want a career where you can directly impact other people’s lives - teaching offers you that in spades.
In terms of starting your teaching career, undertaking a teacher training course is a crucial step and there are various routes to becoming a qualified teacher. In addition to the Teach First route and stepping into the classroom from day one which I chose, you can apply for postgraduate training programs, so choose a path that aligns with your preferences and circumstances.