Looking back, the path leading up to today has been anything but linear and I am grateful for that. I have learned that the aim of life is not to reach a destination, but to embrace the journey by learning and evoking positive change along the way.
My journey with teaching began in the UK, where I worked across a wide range of settings as a teaching assistant while I completed my first degree in Psychology at Brunel University. The range included Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), special educational needs schools, nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools. These formative years gave me a rich perspective on the diverse ways children learn and the equally diverse challenges teachers face. I saw firsthand how the right support and opportunities could transform outcomes for young people who were often written off and those early experiences lit a fire in me to be part of that transformation.
“I have learned that the aim of life is not to reach a destination, but to embrace the journey by learning and evoking positive change along the way.”
Not too long after graduating, I settled on primary education. I just knew my best bet of changing the world for the better was to work with the youngest learners to help them build strong foundations, develop a love of learning, and see themselves as capable, curious, and full of potential. Those early years are such a formative time and I felt a sense of purpose in shaping the attitudes and aspirations that children would carry with them for life.
I was also curious about the world and wanted to combine my love for education with my love for travel. I toyed with the idea of moving abroad for at least a year before I finally made the decision to go overseas. What was meant to be a two-year contract in the United Arab Emirates turned into eight transformative years. During that time, I moved from classroom teacher to middle leader, and eventually into senior leadership. I learned how to navigate cultural differences, build trust across diverse teams, and lead through rapid change, experiences that continue to shape my leadership style today.
“To improve what is happening in the classroom for our students, we must improve what is happening in our schools for our teachers.”
Further, I completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management, gained the National Professional Qualification for Headship, and I am now pursuing a Doctorate in Organisational Leadership. Each step has deepened my understanding of how to create environments where both students and teachers can flourish.
Over the years, I have realised that leadership is my true passion. As I climbed the career ladder, it dawned on me that to improve what is happening in the classroom for our students, we must improve what is happening in our schools for our teachers. When teachers are supported, empowered, and inspired, they are able to bring out the best in every child. That belief is what drives me each day. I am convinced that every educator deserves support, recognition, and space to thrive, because when teachers flourish, children flourish.
My most recent adventure has taken me to Beijing, China, where I am currently Head of Primary at a large British international school. Living and leading internationally has stretched and strengthened me in ways I could not have imagined when I first entered the classroom. Alongside my professional journey, I have been committed to my own development, a must for any educator wanting to remain relevant and effective.
“Alone you go fast, together you go far.”
Looking ahead, I want to continue growing as a leader while also supporting others to step into leadership roles with confidence and purpose. I am passionate about building positive organisational cultures, nurturing future leaders, and using evidence-informed practice to shape the future of education.
This is also why I became a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Being part of this community has allowed me to connect with inspiring colleagues and contribute to the profession beyond my own school. There is an old African proverb, “Alone you go fast, together you go far.” I encourage you to join the Chartered College of Teaching so that together, we can go far.
Abigail Alexis-Olubuyide
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-alexis-olubuyide
