Teacher Talk
Featuring Ms. Hayley Beresford
Who we are...
We hope you enjoy this week's edition!
1. Name and position in AJAC?
Hello everyone. My name is Hayley Beresford, and I'm the KG2 Class Teacher, KG2 Grade Leader and KG Read, Write Inc. Coordinator.
2. Where are you from?
My family is from Manchester, England; however, I was born and raised in South Africa. I spent most of my years in Johannesburg and then moved to Durban for my High School years. I relocated to the UAE after completing High School.
3. Family?
I am married with one daughter. I am an only child so no siblings. My mother still lives in South Africa.
4. Childhood nickname?
As usual, everyone abbreviates your name, so I was called ‘Hayels’ by friends and ‘H’ by family.
5. Favourite food?
Mmmmm….so many! Growing up in South Africa we do love our meat and a good Braai (BBQ) as well as Biltong (dried beef). I also love pasta and Cottage Pie.
6. Hobbies?
I enjoy swimming, in a pool. I’m not a fan of the sea…you never know what’s under you. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and going to the cinema.
7. Favourite place in the UAE?
Every Emirate has something special and unique, so it’s hard to pick one. I live in Sharjah, which is beautiful in many parts. We spend a lot of time in Al Hamra, RAK, which is always peaceful and tranquil. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are good for seeing friends and doing all the tourist sightseeing. Fujeirah is terrific for camping, which we manage to do twice a year when the weather permits.
8. Most memorable experience as a teacher so far?
I have worked in a Nursery school in Sharjah, a school in Dubai and now in AJAC and I have experienced many, many Graduation Ceremonies as the students move to the next stage in their Primary Years. Each and every Graduation is memorable and a bit emotional for me. I am always so proud of the students for what they have achieved in the Early Years and feel sad in a way that they are growing up. Seeing the parents cry doesn’t help either.
9. Funniest moment in your teaching career?
You have to laugh when you hear some of the things that come out of the classrooms when passing by. I once had a fish bowl with fish inside as the class pet for children to take off. I remember a teacher walking past just as I said, ‘Why are you trying to put his head in the bowl?’ We have many eventful times working in early years, there are many laughs and opportunities to be a kid again, but it also requires a lot of patience.
10. The most challenging moment in your teaching career?
It has to be when you have that one student that challenges you and pushes your buttons. Luckily, I have a lot of patience!
11. Childhood hero?
My dad was my ultimate hero; he did everything for me and was always there for me. I looked up to him every day and always wanted to make him proud, and continue to do so now.
12. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
A child psychologist. I studied psychology before education. I always knew I wanted to work with children and help in some way. I started teaching temporarily in a nursery school while studying psychology and decided that teaching is what I wanted to do.
We are lucky to have such a wonderful person like you be part of the AJAC family.