Inspirational teacher drives pupil's career ambition

Issue date: 22 September 2022

Published: 22 September 2022

An East Renfrewshire primary school teacher has been left humbled after discovering a former pupil is aiming for a career in teaching having been inspired by him.

Peter Mullan has taught in Barrhead since completing his probationary year at Cross Arthurlie Primary, before landing his current role at Carlibar Primary 10 years ago.

And having taught one class at Carlibar from Primary 3 all the way to the end of school, he built up a strong bond with many of the pupils - clearly leaving a lasting impression on them.

Now in 6th Year at Barrhead High, Peter's former pupil Amy Tasker is focused on pursuing a teaching career and puts that ambition down to her inspirational primary teacher.

Amy, 17, said: 'Mr Mullan was always so good with our class and the way he taught really inspired me. He was so positive and made everything so much fun and light-hearted. When you were feeling a little down he brought you back up and he always believed in you. The main thing I'd take from his teaching style is just how much he believed in all his pupils and made sure that you did achieve. I want to bring that positive attitude to my career and help every child to achieve.'

A humbled Peter added: 'Amy always said she wanted to go down the teaching route and I'm delighted to see she's still focused on that path. Amy always tried her best at everything she did and was very confident - you could see her leadership skills from a young age. I had a great relationship with that class, given I taught them for so many years, and some of them had kept in touch from time to time. So to hear that Amy's experiences whilst at Carlibar have led her to consider a career in teaching is really very touching. I got into teaching to inspire young people to do the best they can and to achieve. It's not just about maths, numbers and letters - it's about inspiring people to go on to achieve in whatever they choose to do in life. As a school we will support Amy as much as we can to provide her with work experience, as she considers her future career. It would certainly make me feel very old if she were to be back in my classroom - but this time not as a pupil.'