Armani Wilson
Armani Wilson, 23, began her journey into teaching with a deep love for creativity and a desire to support young people. Having earned a degree in Illustration, she knew she wanted a career that would allow her to inspire creativity in others. While studying at university, she worked as a lifeguard, where she gained the confidence and interpersonal skills that would later help her thrive as a teacher.
Armani’s inspiration to teach came from the passion of her own teachers, who sparked her interest in education. She realized that teaching would allow her to combine her love for the arts with the opportunity to provide students with the same transformative experiences she had during her own schooling. Her decision to teach Art and Design felt natural, and she was excited to broaden her horizons by also teaching Maths and Design & Technology.
Choosing The OAKS (now Ormiston Teacher Training) for her teacher training was an easy decision. She discovered the programme through university research and was impressed by its emphasis on comprehensive, hands-on training. The mentors at The OAKS (now Ormiston Teacher Training) played a crucial role in her development, providing invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout her journey.
The diverse range of placements allowed her to experience different educational settings, from high schools to SEND and primary schools, confirming her passion for secondary school teaching.
One of Armani’s favourite aspects of teaching is building meaningful relationships with her students. She takes pride in fostering their confidence, especially in art, where she loves watching students evolve as they grow more self-assured in their work. She also enjoys introducing them to new skills and techniques, seeing them take pride in their achievements.
As she steps into her role as a newly qualified teacher, Armani is excited to bring consistency to her work, develop lasting relationships with students and staff, and focus on growing within a single school setting. Looking to the future, she aims to further develop her skills in all three subjects she teaches and ultimately work towards becoming a head of department. With her passion for creativity, her dedication to students, and her ambition to grow, Armani is set to make a lasting impact in education.