From serving lunch to shaping futures: Concetta’s teaching journey

There are many paths that can lead to teaching, and everyone’s journey is different. In this interview, we hear from Concetta Mohammad, who shares her route into teaching and what she learned along the way.

Concetta was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents and moved to the UK in 2007.

‘Having grown up between cultures, I have always valued adaptability, resilience and strong community ties,’ she reflects.

Since September, Concetta has been training to be a secondary school maths teacher with the national institute.

Concetta’s path to becoming a teacher

When Concetta looks back, she describes her route into teaching as ‘anything but linear.’ After relocating from London to Manchester, her first job interview was at The East Manchester Academy, where she was offered a role as a dinner lady.

‘I loved working in the kitchen, but what mattered most to me was interacting with pupils daily – checking in on them, offering reassurance, and being a familiar, friendly face. That role helped me understand how important every adult in a school community is to a child’s experience, not just teaching staff. It also allowed me to build relationships with students in a natural, informal way, which sparked my interest in working more closely with young people,’ she reflects.

After the birth of her daughter, Concetta decided it was time to pursue a long-held ambition for higher education. She left her role and enrolled at university, completing a BSc in Business and Management before entering the property and asset management sector. She went on to obtain a master’s degree and an MSc in finance, embracing the challenges and rewards of a corporate career.

And yet, something was missing.

'While I enjoyed the challenge and progression of my corporate career, I increasingly felt drawn towards work that was directly people-focused and purpose-driven.’

A calling shaped by moments, not a single moment

‘Rather than one defining moment, my decision to teach was shaped by a series of meaningful experiences. At home, when helping my ten-year-old daughter with her homework, she often tells me, “Mum, the way you explain it makes it easy.” Hearing this repeatedly made me reflect on my ability to break down complex ideas and support understanding.’

Then came the gentle encouragement from others, an online course tutor and a university lecturer, both suggesting that teaching might be her calling. Their feedback felt like affirmation that she was heading towards the right path.

And underlying all of this was the memory of her own secondary school maths teacher, Fiorenza, back in Italy.

‘I’m also deeply inspired by my own experience as a student...Fiorenza, went above and beyond to support and encourage me. Her belief in my potential had a lasting impact on my confidence and aspirations.’ Concetta reminisces.

‘If I can support even one student in the way she supported me, and help them believe in themselves, I would consider my contribution to education truly worthwhile.’

Preparing for the classroom

Training with the national institute has given Concetta the grounding she needs. The programme’s emphasis on being in the classroom from day one allowed her to grow quickly, learn from real experience and build confidence early on. Events like Flying Start helped equip her with the essential basic tools, knowledge and confidence to step into the classroom.

‘The structured support, combined with reflective practice, has enabled me to grow continuously as a trainee. The weekly sessions provide a strong foundation in pedagogy, behaviour management, inclusion and professional practice, equipping me with both the theory and practical strategies needed to succeed in the classroom. NIoT’s approach has helped me develop resilience, adaptability and a strong sense of purpose as I continue my journey into teaching.’

Moments that matter

For Concetta, the joy of teaching lies in the subtle, powerful moments.

‘My favourite part of teaching is witnessing the moment when a student finally understands something – that brief change in expression when everything clicks. I value the relationships built with students, the trust they place in you, and the opportunity to have a positive impact on their confidence and future. Hearing a simple “Thank you, Miss” at the end of a lesson is a powerful reminder of why I chose this path.’

Concetta is now teaching at East Manchester Academy, the school where she was a dinner lady all those years ago.

If you’re inspired by Concetta’s story and considering a future in education, explore our initial teacher training (ITT) programme.