Meet the Media Team

My name is Mrs Pickers and I am an English teacher at Bullers Wood School for Boys. Before becoming a teacher, I had a career for 20 years as a national journalist, working on newspapers and magazines. Being a reporter was a challenge and I enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and crafting articles. However, I always remembered how at school I loved nothing better than a lively discussion about writers and characters from novels, so I decided to be part of this again by training as a teacher.

I gained a place at the Institute of Education, University College London, to do a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, where I was able to learn of the latest research in education whilst working on placements with teenagers in London schools. The mantra at UCL was “who are the learners and what do they know?”, for me this sums-up the two-way journey between teachers and pupils, who can share their cultural knowledge and ideas. In return I’m ready to share my passion for the English language and literature, enabling young people to learn life skills.

When I’m not in school, I like to spend time with my two children and husband, skiing and visiting the coast. I speak a little Spanish so enjoy practising while on holiday and doing yoga in the garden!

I'm Miss Best and I teach English at Bullers Wood School for Boys, as well as some Drama. I grew up in the local area before moving to Sheffield to complete an English degree at Sheffield Hallam University and after a few years (and a few jobs) I decided to train to be a teacher to spread the joy of reading and English to my students. Lots of young people don't enjoy reading, and to that I say "well you've just not found the right book yet!".

I think students should have a positive attitude when they walk into school in the morning, and try and keep that mindset all day. Your teachers will go above and beyond to support your learning, so having a positive mindset when you walk into the room will massively impact your experience in the classroom!

Outside of school I like to read non-fiction books, as well as fiction, on topics I would like to learn more about... you never stop being a student! I also cross-stitch, and have been known to make gifts for family and friends. I'm also a huge film-fan, so trips to the cinema and movie nights are a regular for me!