Space to see things Clearly

Maths Teacher and Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Tess Tweeddale tells the story of improving her KS5 subject and administrative knowledge whilst on maternity leave with her daughter, as well as interviewing for promotion into her current post. 

I had completed my 3 year, temporary role as a Deputy Head of House when I went on maternity leave, and was keen to up-skill myself so I could secure a new role after maternity leave. As an SLE for mathematics and pastoral, I used my maternity leave to keep on top of developments in these areas, particularly focussing on learning more about post-16 developments. My department were getting used to a new A Level specification, using new graphical calculators, and new textbooks with no worked solutions. I used my maternity time to make how-to videos for how to use the calculators, and sent in weekly worked solutions, enabling me to feel in touch with the new A Level, as well as helping my department. I interviewed for, and was successful in securing a new role as Deputy Director of Sixth Form, bringing my 4 month old baby to the interview with me, who was babysat by the Head’s PA! 

I used keeping in touch days to get on top of her my role, learning all about UCAS and 

Unifrog so that I could hit the ground running upon return. Knowing I was going to be returning to work full time on a promotion, I did love having space and time away during maternity leave, and going to lots of baby classes. The time away helped give me a clearer picture of what my career aspirations were, and I believe that I was successful in my appointment thanks to having more space and time to research and prepare.  

I am now Hertfordshire Regional Representative for The MTPT Project, and hope to be able to inspire others to use their maternity leave to further their careers. When I was pregnant, I didn’t know any other teachers who had returned full time and so wasn’t sure if it was possible. I am proud to have returned full time, which suits me and my family really well, and want other teachers to know it is possible should they want to!