Since 2001 Dean has worked in a number of international schools as a teacher, head of department and senior manager. Dean has taught in the British system in the UK and Spain as well as the IB system in China. Dean has a BSc in Mathematics and Business Administration from Aston University and a PGCE in Mathematics from Warwick University.
In his spare time Dean likes to develop his own educational resources and is a published author for TeachIt Maths and TES resources. Dean is also a keen cyclist and has completed a number of cycle tours across Europe and Asia.
Dean has kindly taken the time to answer a few more questions for us:
How did you get into teaching?
Originally, I had no plans to become a teacher, but I did some volunteer teaching whilst at university and then spent a year teaching in Jamaica after graduating from university.
Tell us a little about your time as a teacher?
I started teaching at a state school in Birmingham. Since then I have worked in international schools in Spain and China teaching the UK and IB syllabus.
What do you enjoy most about being a teacher?
I like the instant feedback you get from students. I think it is much easier to see the impact that you can make as a teacher as opposed to other professions.
What do you enjoy most about Phoenix College?
I have to say that the students here at Phoenix College are amazing and it is a pleasure to teach them. I have worked with Kirsty, Jim, Alex, Nicola and Ruth previously and it is great to be part of such a supportive and professional team.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Go to university. I was not convinced it was the best thing to do but it opens up opportunities that you may not yet be aware of.
If you were on a desert island and you could have three items with you, what would you choose?
A big book of sudoku puzzles, a coffee machine and some suntan lotion.
What is your ultimate, go to gadget or app?
I do quite a lot of cycling and when I get lost (sometimes) Google Maps comes to my rescue.
If you could have dinner with two famous people (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?
I would choose to have dinner with people I already know so that I am guaranteed to have a good time.
Three words that best describe you:
Organised, fair and cautious.
To read the article as a download click here