Teacher Profile: John Harvey

Year(s) and Subject(s) Taught 

Grade 7 to 11 Humanities 

How long have you been teaching? 

Eight years.

Why did you become a teacher? Why did you choose teaching as a profession?

From my unfortunate experiences in the UK Care System I have learnt to value the potential of good quality education and my life mission is to make sure no one is left behind. 

Tell us about your own education journey.

I think being a teacher, your education journey is, to a certain extent informed by one’s own experiences in school, and life thereafter.

I learned all that I know about teaching from Fairview International School. Throughout my eight years with Fairview, I have become an IB Certified Teacher, achieved my Masters in Education and the Cambridge International Diploma in Teaching, all fully sponsored by Fairview for its staff. 

I was sponsored by Fairview to be a Concept Based Teaching and Learning trainer, having trained at the Lynn Erickson’s Summer Institution. 

What is the most memorable moment in your teaching career so far?

Winning over my first Grade 9 class in my first year! When I took over the class, I was met with sceptical students who were not passionate for my subject. One day during a lesson, it wasn’t working. So I stopped it and asked the students about their hopes and ambitions, and expectations of my subject, what they liked and didn’t like. I learnt that only by listening, really listening to students about their deepest aspirations and needs I could engage my students meaningfully and help educate them to gain ownership over their educational experience. 

What do you like most about teaching?

Seeing a student put in the hard work and effort to improve themselves. I love that “ah ha” moment when everything comes together and a student grasps a deep concept. 

What is the best thing about teaching at your school?

The opportunities available to learn and grow, through training, and collaboration with a range of colleagues with a multitude of skills, knowledge and experience. The way we work like a family, looking out for one another. 

Who or what inspires you?

I have always loved poetry. “If”, “Invictus”, and “I Rise” inspire me, and the film Dead Poet’s Society. We watched a clip as part of our training, and first class, yes, every child stood on their desks, but no textbooks were ripped.

Describe the ‘perfect’ student.

I have come across a range of different students’ abilities and personalities. My perfect student would be one who has shown one spark of potential but does not see that potential in themselves, or that ‘misunderstood student’ who can be difficult to reach, but once you do, then the magic happens! I believe it is my role to act as that supportive adult, and provide opportunities for that individual to believe they can be awesome, and the best version of themselves.