Name: Graeme Malcolm
Nationality: British
How long have you been teaching?
12 years - I’ve spent about half of my career in UK state schools and half in international education.
How would you describe your teaching style?
As a history teacher I’m fortunate to teach a subject that can be really brought to life in the classroom, which is something I strive to do. Students connect to the past through empathy so I will regularly ask them to ‘get into character’. I also believe in personalising the learning experience of each individual child so they are empowered to enjoy and achieve; two things which definitely go hand in hand!
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I come from a family of teachers so it was perhaps inevitable that I would follow the family calling!
Your best moment as a teacher?
Teaching is such a rewarding job that I couldn’t narrow it down to one specific moment. The best part of being a teacher is waking up in the morning and actually wanting to go to work… there aren’t many people who can say that about their jobs!
Your worst moment?
It is always sad saying goodbye to a class for the final time after you have built up such a rapport with them.
One sentence of advice to someone wanting to enter the profession?
Learn to love strong coffee for the late nights spent marking books and exam papers!
What would be your life quote?
Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.
Graeme Malcolm is a secondary school history teacher at Nord Anglia International School Dubai.