For many parents, knowing someone else is responsible for teaching them is sometimes a relief.
But one new mum was so inspired by her son’s school years that she decided to become a teacher herself.
And now, Michelle Strachan has been appointed head teacher of her very own primary school in Aberdeenshire.
Mrs Strachan said she was “delighted” at the decision, which came after a spell as acting head at Rothienorman Primary School.
She added: “I had been acting in the post for a few weeks beforehand so I had already in my mind started to think where I would like to progress with certain things.
“I was really excited to be given the opportunity and be able to run with these things that I had planned.”
Why Rothienorman?
Mrs Strachan said has felt included and part of the team at Rothienorman Primary School.
She said: “That was really what made me want to stay on. It just had a really nice feel to it.”
Mrs Strachan said she spoke to other staff about her priorities, and got a great reception.
She said: “They were open and honest about where they would like to go as a school and about some of the things they found challenging in the past which puts them in a vulnerable position.
“They really embraced my ideas which we then further developed together.”
Mrs Strachan’s CV
Mrs Strachan studied Marine Biology at Aberdeen University – but her career path changed when her son was born.
She explained: “I got really fascinated with how he developed, his learning, and child development. During this time, I volunteered at a special school and youth clubs.”
She did a post graduate degree in primary teaching (also at Aberdeen) and did her probationer year at Macduff Primary School.
She then taught at Fyvie Primary School for a couple of years.
Mrs Strachan then moved to Gordon Primary School where she taught P1 before becoming depute head there.
She was acting head teacher at Rothienorman Primary School prior to her appointment.
‘There are challenges’
Mrs Strachan said: “There are challenges in primary schools but these are totally outweighed by all the positives.
“The children are so keen to see you, eager to please, and they want to do the best that they can. They are motivated by lots of praise and doing well.
“It’s really just a positive place to be.
“I want the people to walk into Rothienorman Primary School feeling happy and welcome, and that we have this sense of connectedness with each other, with the pupils and with families.”
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