Trailblazers

Teaching Fits Around
My Research/PhD
Helen Fail, teacher, Oxford UK

'I only ever wanted to be a teacher when I was growing up,' says TCK Helen Fail, whose career has ranged from teaching English with VSO in Nigeria and France, through teaching French in international schools in Israel and Switzerland, to domestic supply teaching.

'Working in the States with Dave Pollock, every one of the teenagers from all over the world named a teacher as the person who had most encouraged and inspired them. Having such an impact on the lives of young people made me want to return to mainstream teaching.'

Helen now works as a supply teacher to fit in with the PhD she is doing on TCKs.

Doing supply teaching, other things have come Helen's way, such writing and speaking. It has helped her build an interesting, flexible and independent life.

'Supply teaching is unpredictable and I enjoy the adrenaline,' says Helen. 'It requires the adaptability and flexibility that comes from having been a TCK.'

Contact her on Helen_Fail@compuserve.com.