I'm Izzy, and I'm a media teacher
Describe your job
Being a teacher of Media in a secondary school, no day is the same. I get to teach young minds about the world of media, exploring its influence, engaging in debates like ‘Are TV/film companies advocating for diversity because it is a real problem, or is it just a money grab?’ or ‘As a content creator, do you have full control over your content or does regulation take that away?’.
Working with teens can be good and bad. Some days you will have breakthroughs, and other days you will wish you can do over. Everyone remembers what they were like at secondary school, as a teacher you aim to be a positive influence on the next generation, and you help them navigate through the changes they experience as young people learning this thing called ‘life’.
What are the most important skills you need to do your job?
Leadership
Approachable
Patience
Adaptable
I left school and...
I left school then I rushed into a music business course at a private uni - EXTORTION because I had it drummed in me that uni was the only way to success.
After 1 year, I dropped out and worked in retail for a year, before I found the right course for me - Media and Cultural studies. Whilst studying, I continued to work my retail job and intern to gain industry experience. After getting my degree, I stayed on with the online publication I was working for, but found it didn’t align with my values. I always wanted to work with young people, so I combined this with my love of media and pursued a career in teaching.
I’m most proud of...
BET Black History Month campaign
Credit:
Before I started my career, I wish I knew…
You are not defined by your first job. This will change over time, based on what interests you, and that’s okay.
A mistake I made which you can avoid repeating is...
Take advantage of a money saving/budgeting app. They weren’t around a few years ago, but I know I would’ve been wiser with spending my student loan and part-time salary.
So, what’s next?
When we're given the all clear, I plan on relocating to Madrid in the summer. I plan to teach English in schools/companies in the first year, whilst I adjust to the sunny city. This should also give me time to become confident in my Spanish. Hopefully, after a year I will consider going back into the industry, moving into digital marketing and exploring that side of the sector.
My boyfriend and I want to build a multi-functional space that hosts art and culture, introduce successful ideas here to Madrid. In addition, my friend and I want to start a collective to build the Afro-Carribean community in Spain. It is inspired by my experiences here in the UK, combined with hers in Spain. (Think Black Girl Fest/Afropunk...)
I hope to build a successful organisation celebrating art and culture, supporting independent brands and promoting minorities.
I’ve always wanted to own a small vintage shop, where I sell my own finds, and source pieces for others, as well as offering style advice.
Here's my: