Finding Joy in Teaching Again -My Journey with Equal Education
This Blog was written by Nicola, one of our English tutors.
Nicola has been tutoring with us since April 2023
Over the past decade, the teaching profession in the UK has left many educators feeling drained, undervalued, and disillusioned. From endless government initiatives to constant observations and prescriptive lesson structures, the system has pushed countless teachers—myself included—to the brink. The creativity and passion that drew so many of us to teaching have been eroded, replaced by a rigid, corporate approach focused on ticking boxes rather than fostering learning.
I’ll admit, I was close to walking away. Like tens of thousands of others, I was burned out from being scapegoated for systemic issues beyond my control. The familiar Sunday-Night-Dread and the dread of endless learning walks and drop-ins began to dominate my every waking hour. This is not unique to me, or even to teachers of English: it pervades the whole profession. It was only by chance that I discovered Equal Education, but I’m so, so glad I did.
Equal Education: The Opposite of Burnout
Becoming a 1:2:1 tutor for Equal Education has been a transformative experience. The organisation embodies everything the wider education system lacks. With Equal Education, I’m encouraged to be creative and innovative in my lesson planning. No two students are the same, and I love the challenge of tailoring my teaching to suit their strengths, needs, and interests. This flexibility has rekindled my love for English—its beauty, its complexity, and its power to inspire.
I no longer dread the hours spent planning lessons. Instead, I relish the opportunity to craft meaningful, engaging sessions that spark curiosity and build confidence. Every day feels purposeful, and seeing my students thrive reminds me why I became a teacher in the first place.
For the first time in years, I feel like my expertise and instincts are valued. The focus isn’t on satisfying external metrics—it’s on making a real, tangible difference in the lives of my students. Working with a wide range of students, including those with SEND and SEMH needs, teaching the KS3 curriculum right up to Functional Skills and A levels at KS5 is no longer a grind; rather, it is a pleasure!
Working as a 1:2:1 tutor has returned to me something I hadn’t realised I’d lost: pride in my work. Equal Education has reignited my hope for the teaching profession. It’s proof that there’s another way—a better way—to support both educators and learners. When teachers are trusted, supported, and given the freedom to be creative, they thrive. And when teachers thrive, so do their students.
If you’re an educator who’s feeling worn down by the system, I can’t recommend Equal Education enough. It’s a place where you can rediscover your love for teaching, your passion for your subject, and the joy of making a difference. For me, it’s been nothing short of life-changing.