International Women’s Day – Leading by Example – How role modelling shapes the next generation. “When I’m older mummy I’m going to be a teacher just like you” said my daughter Shanae then aged just five years old. During this time in my journey I was training to qualify as a maths teacher in a mainstream secondary Catholic School.
They say teaching is a ’calling’ and I can wholeheartedly say that this was the case for me. As a single mother to a son and a daughter I worked hard to maintain a balance between teaching, studying and taking care of my household. After a long day at work after I put my children to bed my evenings would consist of marking books, reading and planning lessons. I truly cherished this phase of my life, driven by a deep passion for teaching. I found great fulfilment in both the subject and in supporting children’s education. I would often have flashbacks to when I was at school and how I struggled in my maths lessons and told myself that I could be that teacher that I once needed.
Thankfully during this time, I was blessed to be working in a school where the senior leaders saw my dedication and supported me for example, I recall a time where I had forgotten that my own children’s school was closed for teacher training day and I would usually drop them to breakfast club and then drive to work; on this occasion when the three of us got to school it was closed. Disappointed I had no option but to call my head teacher and tell him I was unable to come into school today.
His response took me by surprise, “No, no, you bring your children in, and we’ll look after them. We’ll provide some activities for them in the staff room, and I’m sure the staff won’t mind keeping an eye on them.” That is exactly what happened that day and both my children were excited to be coming to work with me. Some of the staff members took it in turns to keep an eye on them whilst they had their planning and preparation time in the staffroom. I went on and taught my timetable as planned for the day. At lunchtime, I took my children out to grab some lunch. They told me they were having a fantastic day and wished they could come to work with me all the time. I received so many kind compliments from my colleagues about how polite and respectful my children were. This experience reaffirmed the very reason I chose the path of teaching and a memory both my children still talk about.
It is every parent and adult’s responsibility to understand that role modelling plays a powerful role in shaping the next generation. When young people observe positive traits in their role models, such as kindness and empathy they are more likely to adopt these behaviours themselves. When we role model we help to inspire and motivate, demonstrating how to navigate challenges and make ethical decisions and build meaningful relationships. By modelling growth, learning, and positive interactions, they not only guide but also empower the next generation to reach their potential and contribute positively to society.
Fast forward to today, and I’m a specialist math teacher at a SEN school, working with children and young people with autism spectrum conditions or identified social, emotional, or mental health needs. My role goes far beyond teaching math; it’s about inspiring students to believe in their potential. The lessons I impart in the classroom reflect the same values I share with my own children. I also advocate for change in education through my work with the teacher’s union, focusing especially on addressing the underrepresentation of Black teachers. In addition, I am an author, columnist, and Multicultural Family Coach.
Leadership isn’t just about titles it’s about the choices we make every day. This International Women’s Day I want to encourage all women especially mothers to recognise the power they hold as role models and take the time to celebrate your achievements, by breaking barriers, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Our children are watching us lets show them what is possible.
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Nothing more powerful than showing leadership to your kids. You are an amazing role model
Thank you , our children are our biggest blessings.
Thank you for your kind words of support , I’m glad you resonated with the article and absolutely parents are the very first teachers a child has .
Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to read and engage.
What a lovely and inspiring article.
Being a single mum is hard and every day women out there are doing their best and trying to give their children the best guidance they can.
Well done for all your achievements, you and your children should feel proud. 🙏🏼
Thank you for your kind message and words of support. Single mums definitely need celebrating.
Well done Narinder! A fantastic thought provoking article! We are our children’s first teacher and as such we have a responsibility to set positive examples and be their role model in all that we do.
Absolutely, thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to read and comment
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