Fact file:
- Name: Karen Shore
- Job: Teacher/councillor
- Born: Chester
- Lives: Whitby, Ellesmere Port
- Education: Whitby High School, University of Keele. BA (Hons) History and Politics, Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- Family: Married to Matthew with two daughters Amy and Lucy
Each morning, I wake at around 6am and it’s a race against the clock to get ready and out to work on time; no easy feat when you have two little people to dress and organise.
My children are still quite young and wake in the night, so there is no guarantee that I have had good sleep but I am resilient and determined and put my heart and soul in everything I do and get on with it as best I can.
Each day is different and varies from week-to-week. Typically, I arrive at work; have a quick slurp of coffee and straight to first lesson.
I am a part-time teacher of history and politics at Upton Hall School on the Wirral and I am passionate about my subject and love the vocation of teaching young people.
It is unique because you have the opportunity to shape the learning and pathways of the young people in your care and that is a great responsibility.
I have to adapt quickly to different subject matters and it is not unusual to lurch from the US Constitution to the Tudor poor and then Nazi Germany.
I plan lessons to enable effective and independent learning, whilst ensuring good progress is being made by all pupils. It is important to be a reflective practitioner and stay at the forefront of pedagogy and practice.
Teaching children and young people is hugely rewarding. The moment that something clicks with a child and you literally see ‘the penny drop’, is really satisfying.
In May 2015, I was elected to Cheshire West and Chester Council by the good people of Whitby.
Although new to the role, I am enjoying the challenge of being a councillor. Typically, it involves case work and dealing with the problems and issues that people may have and trying to find solutions.
It also involves a lot of meetings at the council, not just in full council but for the various committees, policy and performance panels and outside bodies.
Key to the role is the promotion of community initiatives. I am determined to improve the area in which I live and ensure that the people I represent have a voice.
I am passionately committed to reducing inequality and ensuring that there are good opportunities available to all groups in the community.
Juggling work and family life is a challenge at times. When I am not working, I like to spend time with my children; Amy, three and Lucy, two.
Life is so busy that weekends are sacrosanct. Teachers get good holidays, so I am able to enjoy that time with my family too.
Do you wear a uniform or anything special to do your job? No.
What is the favourite part of your job? Working with young people/meeting new people and debating issues.
What is the least favourite part of your job? Teaching – marking! Councillor – having to make difficult decisions that you know will impact widely.
What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing what you do now? I think I’m pretty close to it. I love politics; perhaps to work in politics would be my ultimate dream and I would love to do some humanitarian work in the future.
How do you relax when you are not working? Reading, swimming, genealogy and family history and travelling. Pre-children I travelled frequently and have been lucky enough to see a great deal of our beautiful world!
What is your favourite film? Made in Dagenham.
What is your favourite book? Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class by Owen Jones.
What is your favourite song? All Together Now by The Farm.
If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you? A real woman. Somebody who values intellectual worth and humility and recognises that real beauty presents itself in many forms. Somebody who is interested in gender issues and equality, who is compassionate and committed to justice. Perhaps somebody like Emma Watson (inset).
Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet? I think so. I have appeared on Question Time in the audience, been interviewed by the BBC and Dee 106.3. It goes with the territory when you are an elected representative!
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