Fraser Dodds
Fraser Dodds, 24, grew up in south Suffolk and initially pursued a career in electronic engineering, specialising in designing and testing printed circuit boards. However, he soon realised that he craved a more social and interactive role, one where he could make a tangible difference in people’s lives. With a passion for problem-solving and helping others grow, Fraser decided to make the leap into education, training to become a maths teacher as a member of Ormiston Teacher Training’s 2024–25 cohort.
Teaching wasn’t Fraser’s first career, but it quickly became his true calling. Reflecting on what inspired him, he recalls his love for maths being sparked by a simple yet thought-provoking challenge in sixth form: “How many bricks are there in London?” This kind of problem-solving excitement is what he now aims to bring into his own classroom.
Beyond his passion for the subject, Fraser was drawn to the opportunity to support and inspire students, guiding them through their education while fostering resilience and curiosity.
Fraser chose the school-centred route with Ormiston Teacher Training, a hands-on training approach that places trainees in school four days a week, with one dedicated day for professional development. He appreciated the balance of practical teaching experience and academic learning, helping him understand not just how to teach, but why different techniques work effectively.
To prepare, Fraser immersed himself in education literature and sought advice from early career teachers (ECTs). The Flying Start Week played a crucial role in equipping him with foundational skills, particularly in classroom management and building relationships with students.
Fraser firmly believes that strong student-teacher relationships are key to creating a safe and engaging learning environment. He strives to be a consistent, approachable and charismatic presence in the classroom, fostering trust and encouraging active participation.
His goal? To ensure that every student feels valued, supported and confident in tackling challenges – not just in maths, but in life.
Fraser is thrilled to have secured a teaching role for September 2025 and to be teaching at the very school he once attended, a full-circle moment that fuels his dedication even more. While he is focused on refining his teaching skills, he also aspires to explore the pastoral side of education, potentially stepping into a head of year role in the future.
As a trainee, Fraser is most excited about standing in front of a class, sparking discussions, and witnessing those “aha!” moments when students grasp complex concepts. As he moves into his early career teacher (ECT) period, he looks forward to leading his own classes and form group, embedding himself further into school life, and continuously growing into the best teacher he can be.
Want to follow in Fraser’s footsteps? Find out more about our teacher training programmes at Ormiston Teacher Training.