Andrew Crisp
Assistant Head - MA
Educational Improvement, Development &
Change
Situation before starting the course: I
was a newly appointed assistant head at a York secondary school. In
this role I was at a crossroads in my career. To move up
to deputy head level would involve losing much of my classroom
teaching but to remain as an assistant head for the next
twenty years seemed restrictive. I thought the MA would give me the
opportunity to consider the wider issues of school leadership. I
also appreciated the advantages of adding an MA qualification to my
C.V. in a very competitive job market.
Why I chose the course: The flexible
nature of the course was very attractive; the potential
to link my studies to my school work so that the two coexisted
happily. On a practical level the proximity of the university
to my home made sense and I was also impressed by the reasonable
course fees which were much lower than those being demanded by
other institutions.
Personal and professional impact: I
have been energised by my studies! I have appreciated
the intellectual stimulation provided by academic reading,
the discipline of essay writing and the bracing realisation
that your work is going to be dissected and graded. Within my
school I now feel more informed and confident in my role as
teaching and learning co-ordinator.
Challenges: Time management is a key
challenge! As teachers we are all busy people with significant
responsibilities. As a father to three demanding children I also
run a full time taxi service and I like to see my wife
occasionally. My advice is to find some set periods in your week
when you can devote yourself to your studies and then let those
close to you know these times are sacrosanct.
Hope for the future: To not only secure my MA
but then use it as a springboard for my future work as a school
leader. Also to encourage as many of my colleagues as possible to
take on an MA course.