Part of the Etc.
Summer marks the end of an era for two SRC Bede Sixth Form teachers with almost 60 years of service to the college between them.
Sociology teacher Janet Mitchell is retiring from her post after 34 years, while staff and students at the college in Billingham are also bidding a fond farewell to Dermot O’Higgins, a Maths teacher of 24 years.
“SRC Bede is a special place,” said Janet, 59, who admits she never dreamt she would still be at the college four decades later when she walked through the doors back in 1982.
Setting aside the fact that she met her husband Trevor there, she said: “It is like a family, you get so much support from colleagues and then there are the achievements of the students, it is great to see.”
Originally from Hartlepool, Janet studied Sociology at Leeds University, going on to complete her PGCE at Durham University.
Her first teaching role saw her spend two years in Hong Kong. But it was SRC Bede Sixth Form that won her heart; there she has developed a reputation for driving her students to success.
The same can be said of Maths teacher, Dermot. His SRC Bede career started in 1992. Today he remains as passionate as ever about the college and particularly his subject.
Originally from Ireland, where at school, among other subjects, he studied Higher Level Maths (the A level equivalent), the 56-year-old says it is a standing joke that despite a quarter of a century teaching the subject, he has never taken A level Maths himself.
Studying a Maths degree at Trinity College, Dublin, Dermot spent some time working in accounting before training to be a teacher and ultimately finding himself teaching in Teesside.
“I love this college, the students and the staff are really friendly,” he said. “The best bit for me has been when I’ve been able to instil a passion for my subject in to my students. If I can enthuse them to love Maths then I feel I have achieved something.”
Director of SRC Bede Rick Wells said: “There is no question that both Janet and Dermot will be missed by us all. Having taught here for 34 years Janet’s students have enjoyed tremendous success showing that she has never relaxed her determination to help students achieve to the very best of their ability.
“Dermot O’Higgins, Maths teacher extraordinaire. A devout man of Faith, Dermot lives for Maths and revels in the beauty of the subject, a passion that he loves to share with his students. He has been an exemplary professional, committed to the college and unstinting in his support for students.”
Andrew Panayi, SRC Bede Sixth Form Deputy Director, said: It's always sad to say goodbye to colleagues that have given so much to the College. Collectively, Janet and Dermot contributed 58 years service. The performance of their A level programmes (Sociology and Mathematics respectively) have consistently been outstanding and a testament to their professionalism. Both Janet and Dermot will be a great loss to SRC Bede and we wish them both the very best in the future."
Sociology teacher Janet Mitchell is retiring from her post after 34 years, while staff and students at the college in Billingham are also bidding a fond farewell to Dermot O’Higgins, a Maths teacher of 24 years.“SRC Bede is a special place,” said Janet, 59, who admits she never dreamt she would still be at the college four decades later when she walked through the doors back in 1982.
Setting aside the fact that she met her husband Trevor there, she said: “It is like a family, you get so much support from colleagues and then there are the achievements of the students, it is great to see.”
Originally from Hartlepool, Janet studied Sociology at Leeds University, going on to complete her PGCE at Durham University.Her first teaching role saw her spend two years in Hong Kong. But it was SRC Bede Sixth Form that won her heart; there she has developed a reputation for driving her students to success.
The same can be said of Maths teacher, Dermot. His SRC Bede career started in 1992. Today he remains as passionate as ever about the college and particularly his subject.
Originally from Ireland, where at school, among other subjects, he studied Higher Level Maths (the A level equivalent), the 56-year-old says it is a standing joke that despite a quarter of a century teaching the subject, he has never taken A level Maths himself.
Studying a Maths degree at Trinity College, Dublin, Dermot spent some time working in accounting before training to be a teacher and ultimately finding himself teaching in Teesside.“I love this college, the students and the staff are really friendly,” he said. “The best bit for me has been when I’ve been able to instil a passion for my subject in to my students. If I can enthuse them to love Maths then I feel I have achieved something.”
Director of SRC Bede Rick Wells said: “There is no question that both Janet and Dermot will be missed by us all. Having taught here for 34 years Janet’s students have enjoyed tremendous success showing that she has never relaxed her determination to help students achieve to the very best of their ability.
“Dermot O’Higgins, Maths teacher extraordinaire. A devout man of Faith, Dermot lives for Maths and revels in the beauty of the subject, a passion that he loves to share with his students. He has been an exemplary professional, committed to the college and unstinting in his support for students.”
Andrew Panayi, SRC Bede Sixth Form Deputy Director, said: It's always sad to say goodbye to colleagues that have given so much to the College. Collectively, Janet and Dermot contributed 58 years service. The performance of their A level programmes (Sociology and Mathematics respectively) have consistently been outstanding and a testament to their professionalism. Both Janet and Dermot will be a great loss to SRC Bede and we wish them both the very best in the future."
