Yvonne Gunn

Secondary Teacher (Gaelic)  

I spent five years in Aberdeen studying towards an honours degree in Gaelic studies followed by the PGCE in secondary teaching. After graduating in 2001, I came to work at Tobermory High School on the Isle of Mull, where I teach Gaelic to both learners and fluent speakers from S1 to Higher Grade. Everyday is different and I am always learning new things. The job has given me a lot of experience and opportunities as well as challenges!

It is so important to be well-organised and to have planned your lessons well. But it is also essential to be adaptable as you sometimes have to change your lesson plan because of unforeseen circumstances! Teachers need to be enthusiastic and I am certain that this has a positive impact on pupil motivation.

You must have a sense of humour – things will go wrong but this is often through no fault of your own. In the beginning, I found it difficult at times to discipline classes but the ability to be firm but fair with your pupils is necessary.

Teaching is not easy: it is frustrating, tiring, stressful and you are never finished work at 3.30pm as some may say!

Teaching my own first language is rewarding and gives me a great sense of pride. This was the main reason I decided to become a teacher. I realise how lucky I am to be bilingual and teaching Gaelic gives me the opportunity to help others on the road to bilingualism. I love to see pupils communicating with one another in Gaelic.

I am so proud that I have played a part in developing their interest in language learning and in encouraging them to access Gaelic language and culture. In the future, I would be delighted to hear that they too have become Gaelic teachers!