Salik Miah

Primary Education Lecturer, Leeds Trinity University

I was able to take advantage of three different placements which all involved working with different year groups.

Wanting to become a teacher

To ensure teaching was the right path for me, I decided to return to the primary school I had attended and took on a teaching assistant role. It was a deeply personal experience, as I stepped back into the very classrooms where my own education had started. The headteacher, who had always been a source of inspiration for me, quickly recognised my potential and encouraged me to go on to do my PGCE at Leeds Trinity. She believed in me, seeing the skills I had to offer, and that belief made all the difference. She was a huge influence on my decision to pursue teaching. Her guidance and support reaffirmed my passion for education and shaped my teaching and leadership career.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity

Leeds Trinity has always had an outstanding reputation for teacher training, especially within the primary education field.

My favourite student memories

The engagement with my lecturers was something I truly valued throughout my time at Leeds Trinity. Additionally, whilst doing the PGCE here I was fortunate to form lasting friendships with fellow students, many of whom I remain close with to this day.

I was particularly proud to receive the Primary Education prize at my graduation in 2013, a recognition I earned for achieving outstanding grades in all of my final lesson observations during my teaching placement. It was an honour to be acknowledged for my dedication and commitment to teaching.

Valuable placement opportunities and developing new skills

I had the opportunity to undertake three distinct placements, each within a different year group, which enriched my teaching experience. What truly made this period stand out was the exceptional support I received, both from the schools where I gained invaluable practical experience and from my lecturers at Leeds Trinity. This combination of hands-on experience and academic guidance provided me with a comprehensive toolkit for success.

The challenge of completing the course in just one year, paired with the varied placements, greatly enhanced my interpersonal skills. Beyond the pedagogy I learned, the holistic nature of this experience placed me in an ideal position to secure my first teaching role.

How my career panned out since graduating

After graduating in 2013, I began my teaching career as an NQT where I was fortunate to have a strong and supportive mentor. My mentor during my first year played a pivotal role, offering invaluable guidance and advice on what to do and what to avoid, which helped me navigate the early stages of my career with confidence.

Within my first year, I progressed quickly, moving up the leadership ladder and taking on increased responsibilities. As the years went by, I continued to take on more leadership responsibilities and whole school initiatives as well as managing larger teams of staff. This continual growth not only broadened my leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of what it takes to lead and support others effectively.

Coming full circle – returning to Leeds Trinity

As my career progressed, I found myself exploring various leadership roles, including the potential for headship. During this period, I came across the Primary Education Lecturer position at Leeds Trinity, which immediately captured my attention. I began this role in May 2024 and it has been an incredibly rewarding transition.

In this new capacity, I am passionate about shaping the next generation of teachers, ensuring they develop a deep understanding of pedagogy and equipping them with the skills to teach and assess children effectively. My goal is to empower them to provide every child with the highest standard of education, regardless of their background.

The most striking change I’ve observed since returning to Leeds Trinity is the university's remarkable growth. I was part of the first cohort on the Primary PGCE were there was just over 20 students. Today, the cohort has expanded to more than 100, a testament to the University's success and the increasing demand for outstanding teacher education. This expansion reflects both the quality and the impact of the School of Education at Leeds Trinity.

My advice for those thinking about a career in teaching

Leeds Trinity offers a unique and tailored experience for those pursuing a career in teaching. With smaller class sizes, students benefit from personalised attention and support, something larger institutions may struggle to provide.

This personalised environment fosters strong connections with staff, who are eager to help students explore not only teaching opportunities but also leadership roles within the profession. Furthermore, the University’s commitment to ongoing support extends well beyond graduation, as I know all too well being a part of the Leeds Trinity Alumni.