Arshad Mahmood

Name: Arshad Mahmood
Subject: Computing
Location: Johnstone High School, Johnstone

"I taught Maths in Pakistan before I moved to Scotland around 12 years ago and I decided to get into IT. I got a degree in Computer Networking from Paisley University and spent a few years working as a network administrator and a helpdesk co-ordinator. I decided to get back into teaching so studied the PGDE at Strathclyde University and I'm currently on my probationary year as a computing teacher.

"I found my career in IT quite unstable as most of the work was contract only so I had to keep finding new positions. Teaching was a more attractive option as there is much more job security and more opportunities as it is such a universal skill. I enjoy working with children and every day is completely different to the next so it keeps it exciting and I'm always working on new challenges.

"I got in touch with REMIT whilst I was on placement during the PGDE after speaking to my principal teacher who encouraged me to join. There are not enough ethnic minority teachers in Scottish schools yet there are many pupils who would benefit from having teachers with different backgrounds and cultures. The small number of teachers also means there is little representation of ethnic minorities needs when it comes to decision making and changes within schools.

"It's great to see organisations like REMIT and the Scottish Government actively encouraging ethnic minorities in Scotland into teaching as this is something that has been lacking in the past. Hopefully, it will create some interest in these groups and provide the information they need to get into teaching.

"My advice for any group thinking of getting into teaching is to look at it as an exciting challenge and an opportunity to help develop culture in Scotland's schools. There is an extremely good support system available for probationary teachers and you'll be making a real difference to the pupils you teach."