Telford teacher bids adieu to summer school

Maggie Poole, who is in her 60’s and lives in Telford, will be retiring when she completes her 11th year as director of studies at Concord’s Summer School this month.

“It has been a difficult decision to make,” said Maggie who is in her 14th year at Concord College Summer School, having taken up her first English teaching position there in 2006.

“But I have a grand-daughter Gabriella who is seven and I would like to spend more time with her in the summer – I shall have my summers back,” she added.

Maggie recalls how in 2003 she and husband Mark went backpacking around the world, met people who were teaching English as a foreign language, and decided they wanted to pursue this as a career option.

She qualified in 2005, has subsequently taught English in Slovakia, Spain and Saudi Arabia and continued to teach at Concord every summer.

In 2009 she became Director of Studies in charge of the direct management of up to 50 teachers over two courses attended by students, aged 10 to 17, learning English from many different countries.

“My career has given me an insight into those different cultures which has been truly amazing,” said Maggie. “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know students and hearing about their lives, as well as teaching different nationalities which broadens the mind.

“It makes you think about a lot of different things when teaching; to be aware of different customs, values and perspectives of people from other cultures. I am fascinated by people and enjoy helping them do their jobs better or improve teachers’ skills and students’ English as I do at Concord.”

She added: “I am feeling ambivalent and sad about leaving Concord. I shall miss the teaching and management teams with whom I have worked with for so long. But I believe it is time for someone new with fresh ideas.”