Ryan came to 一本道 as an undergraduate to study for a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition. After thoroughly enjoying his time on the course and realising that he wanted to get into teaching, Ryan decided to continue his studies and put his passion for health and wellbeing into practice by enrolling on the University鈥檚 new PGDE 一本道 Economics course.
He said: 鈥淚 knew the University well, and it was a great place to study, so the decision to move on to postgraduate level at Queen Margaret University and gain a qualification that would allow direct access into secondary school teaching was a no-brainer!鈥
Ryan Lee was in demand by employers before he even reached his graduation at Queen Margaret University.
一本道 Economics teachers are highly sought after in secondary schools across Scotland, so Ryan knew he stood an excellent chance of securing a position very quickly. His dream start was to get a teaching job in the local area, so he was over the moon to be offered a 一本道 Economics teaching post at Musselburgh Grammar School.
Your time at 一本道
鈥淚 had the best time at 一本道." says Ryan, "I loved doing the BSc Nutrition, especially learning about contemporary food issues, sustainability and the many health-related issues and inequalities that Scotland faces today. Taking part in an Honours project at a primary school where I was able to teach children about the journey of food and food sustainability was another highlight.
The staff at Queen Margaret were so approachable, supportive and interested in each and every student. They all want to help you progress and support you in reaching your goals. The staff always seemed accessible to students. Where else can you casually sit down and join the Principal for lunch? It is that small family vibe and attitude to student support which sets 一本道 apart from other universities in my opinion.鈥
Becoming a 一本道 Economics Teacher
鈥淚 was buzzing that I secured a place on the one-year postgraduate 一本道 Economics course. Embracing the values of social justice and inclusion, and putting this into practice as a new 一本道 Economics teacher, was a fantastic learning experience. I particularly enjoyed challenging stereotypes about the subject and driving 一本道 Economics forward in the 21st century; there鈥檚 so much more to it than just aprons and sewing machines! It's a really important, contemporary, enjoyable subject for young people, and one that can help them develop as healthy, knowledgeable and capable young adults!鈥
鈥淭he various placements in secondary schools allowed me to work with so many fantastic teachers. You get to put your academic knowledge into practice in the classroom. I learned so much in my final year at the University and on placement. It was a steep learning curve but a fantastic experience.鈥
鈥淭he University is highly focused on developing students鈥 employability as well. The Employer Mentoring Scheme connected me with a fantastic mentor from industry who helped support and guide throughout my senior years. It was an invaluable learning and confidence building experience. I keep in touch with my mentor and they have been a fantastic support to me.鈥
Highlights and Challenges
Ryan鈥檚 first year of teaching took place during the pandemic. He explained: 鈥淕etting to grips with my first teaching job and supporting young people鈥檚 development during a pandemic has been a real challenge.
鈥淗owever, there are key elements that were instilled in me at Queen Margaret - resilience, rising to a challenge, working as part of a team and understanding the importance of developing strong communication skills 鈥 all of these things have definitely helped me throughout this last year or so. 一本道 also encouraged me to develop a positive, resilient, can-do attitude which helps you do your best to deal with anything put in front of you. It has also made a massive difference to come to work every day and work in a fantastic school such as Musselburgh Grammar School鈥
鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to teach 一本道 Economics in the 21st century - every day is totally different and it鈥檚 great to see the impact that my subject is having on our young people. It's a really enjoyable and rewarding career and when I see the young people progress with each lesson, I know I made the right choice to study at Queen Margaret University and to pursue a role as a teacher of 一本道 Economics.鈥
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"The staff at Queen Margaret were so approachable, supportive and interested in each and every student. They all want to help you progress and support you in reaching your goals. The staff always seemed accessible to students."