Veronica Beaton

Name: Veronica Beaton
Subject: Home Economics
Location: Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula
Teaching Experience: Probationer

I graduated ten years ago from Glasgow Caledonian University and was accepted for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Home Economics) at the University of Strathclyde, Jordanhill campus.

However, at that time, Gaelic broadcasting was booming, having secured government funding and there was a demand for Gaelic speakers interested in a career in broadcasting. I decided to pursue a different career path and put a hold on my teaching career. I moved to Skye for a year to do a broadcasting course through the medium of Gaelic.

Having worked in Glasgow and Stornoway for a number of years and travelling for a couple of years, I decided to move back home to the Island of Eriskay in the Western Isles. In recent years, I had been considering returning to teaching and was again accepted for the PGCE (Secondary) Home Economics course at Jordanhill, Glasgow.

I approached my local high school (Sgoil Lionacleit in Benbecula) prior to my departure and they invited me along to shadow the teachers. I enjoyed this experience and knew I was making the right decision.

I studied at Jordanhill from August 2003 to June 2004, moving to Glasgow in order to do this. As a mature student with a toddler this was a big decision but I knew it would be a worthwhile experience. I was fortunate in that I was able to return to Sgoil Lionacleit for my probationary year.

Having just completed the first part of my probationary year I am glad that I am now half way there and will enjoy teaching after the summer as a 'real teacher'.

I enjoy the every day variety and challenges in teaching. Each class is different and each pupil, unique and special. The majority of pupils enter the Home Economics department in my school with a smile on their face, which makes my job all the more fun.