Mark Cullen
By Mark Cullen
Careers Lead , Communications Coordinator, Teacher of Computing and Science
My name is Mark Cullen, and I am delighted to share the journey of my career thus far. Education has always been a significant part of my life, evolving from my early academic pursuits in geology to my current role in teaching. With a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Geology from Manchester University and a PhD in Geology from the University of Reading, my academic background laid a solid foundation for my professional development, albeit in a direction I had not initially anticipated.
During my doctoral studies, I conducted extensive research into the fascinating world of paleobiology, specifically focusing on the processes involved in the fossilisation of marine animals. This intensive research experience not only honed my analytical skills but also instilled a deep appreciation for the scientific method and the importance of inquiry-based learning. Little did I know at that time that these skills would be invaluable in my future educational endeavours.
My first venture into the professional world took the form of a Purchase Ledger Clerk position in Reading, Berkshire, following the completion of my studies. In this role, I was responsible for maintaining the purchase ledger and conducting account reconciliation tasks. This experience developed my organisational skills and provided insights into financial management — a stark contrast to the scientific world I had previously engaged with.
Seeking new challenges, I transitioned into an Accounts Assistant role in the same city. Here, I took on more complex responsibilities, including the preparation of end-of-month reports, compiling management information reports, assisting the tele-ordering team, and reconciling both the purchase and sales ledgers. This position allowed me to further develop my financial acumen while providing me with an understanding of the corporate landscape.
Yet, despite my success in finance, I felt an undeniable pull towards education. Eager to share my passion for science with future generations, I enrolled at Keele University to train as a teacher. It was a pivotal decision that would change the course of my career. My first teaching role as a Teacher of Science in Yorkshire provided a unique opportunity to engage with students on a daily basis, teaching a variety of subjects including Key Stage 3 general science, Double Science focusing on physics and chemistry units, as well as careers and ICT.
After two years in this role, I was promoted to the position of Second in Science. In this capacity, my responsibilities expanded to include tracking pupil progress across the department and monitoring the impact of intervention strategies. It was enlightening to be in a position where I could influence teaching practices and promote effective learning strategies within the department.
Two years later, my career trajectory took another positive turn when I became the Head and Lead Learner in Science at a Specialist Science College. This role was both challenging and fulfilling, as it entailed leading the learning in science and ensuring that continuous self-evaluation led to high-quality outcomes. A significant aspect of my role was the leadership, development, and enhancement of teaching practices among my colleagues. I was involved in introducing and leading a whole-school peer observation model, designed to inspire teachers to enhance their teaching methodologies. This initiative fostered a culture of collaborative learning and professional growth among the staff.
Importantly, throughout this period, I was also pursuing my academic interests, studying with the Open University and earning a Master's in Education with a focus on Leadership and Management. This qualification deepened my understanding of educational leadership theories and models, further equipping me for the challenges of leading a department in the dynamic environment of education.
For personal reasons, I made the significant decision to relocate to the other side of the country, where I embraced a new role as the computer teacher at Woolston Brook School. This experience was enlightening, as it broadened my teaching portfolio and allowed me to engage with students in a different context. However, my passion for science education remained strong, leading me back to also teaching some science lessons after a brief hiatus.
