Zoe Jefferson is a tutor and PSHE lead at Esland Daven School. She works with students both one-to-one and in small groups, teaching core subjects and leading lively Citizenship sessions that get everyone talking and thinking. As PSHE lead, Zoe supports young people in building confidence and life skills that matter beyond the classroom. She enjoys creating a warm and positive learning space where students can feel comfortable, have fun, and make real progress.

Hi, my name is Zoe Jefferson, and I’m a tutor and PSHE lead at Esland Daven School. I’ve worked for the organisation for three years.

My journey so far

I joined Esland in January 2023; I started as an outreach tutor, working one-to-one with students in the community, in their homes, libraries, or wherever worked best for them. When the school opened, I transitioned to working with students on-site, initially on a one-to-one basis, and then gradually moved into small-group teaching, which I’ve really enjoyed.

Since starting, I’ve thrown myself into professional development by completing all my mandatory training, and I’ve now been given the fantastic opportunity to do my teacher training, which I’ll begin soon. Additionally, I’ve taken on extra responsibility as the PSHE lead in school, which helps me support our students in a really meaningful way.

A rewarding experience

I absolutely love working with our young people, it’s really rewarding to watch them grow and develop over time. The team around me is also a massive part of why I enjoy my job so much. I work with a lovely bunch, they’re fun, supportive, and I’m learning from them all the time. It really feels like we’re all in it together, and that makes such a difference.

A typical day for me starts with setting up the classroom alongside my co-worker, Emma. Once everything’s ready, we welcome the students into school and kick off the day with a Citizenship lesson. We usually watch the news together and then have a class discussion around the topics. It’s a great way to get everyone thinking and talking.

After that, it’s maths and English, followed by a quick break that often includes a few games and plenty of laughter. Then it’s science, which is always a favourite with the students. At lunchtime, I help run the Chess Club, which has turned out to be very popular (and surprisingly competitive). In the afternoon, we head to the music room for a brilliant lesson with our music teacher, which is always a highlight of the week.

Fun and happy classroom

What I enjoy most about my job is the fun and happiness the young people bring into the classroom every single day; they honestly light up the room. No two days are ever the same, and their energy, humour, and curiosity make the job so enjoyable. It’s hard not to smile when you’re surrounded by that kind of positivity.

Some of my favourite memories have come from our school trips, especially the Escape Room and a visit to Chester Zoo. You get to see students blossom outside of the classroom, and it’s moments like these that really stick with you and remind you how special this job is.