In this week's A Conversation With... we talk to computer science and maths teacher, Mrs Anna Morgan. Mrs Morgan has been teaching at Shiplake for 12 years after starting her career in the software industry. Over the past year, Mrs Morgan has taken up golf and is now an enthusiast. She is also looking forward to going travelling around Europe with her husband in a camper van one day.
How long have you been at Shiplake and what is your role?
I have been at Shiplake for 12 years and am a teacher of computer science and maths, as well as a tutor in Skipwith.
What did you do before you came to Shiplake?
Prior to coming to Shiplake I worked in the software industry as a programmer, a systems analyst, a product design manager and a presales consultant. I spent most of my career in software working for Oracle in both the UK and at their headquarters in San Francisco.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
From a young age I had wanted to become a teacher but decided to pursue a career in the commercial world first. After working in industry for about 15 years I decided I still wanted to pursue a career in education - and here I am still enjoying teaching 12 years later!
How did your passion for maths and computing start?
Maths was my default subject, probably because it didn't seem to be as hard for me as some other subjects. I wasn't sure I wanted to study straight maths at university and so took an option of maths and computer science combined. To be honest, I didn't know much about computers but later discovered that I really enjoyed programming. After finishing university, a career in software seemed like an interesting one to pursue. The software industry was young and full of exciting opportunities and, importantly for a student with an overdraft, well paid jobs!
What is the best thing about Shiplake?
Like most at Shiplake, I would say the strong sense of a supportive and accepting community tops the list of the best things about Shiplake. I am surrounded by fun, kind, energetic and humorous people. I also love being in such beautiful surroundings.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
My spare time is busy. The COVID pandemic led me to try playing golf with the rest of the family and I'm now an enthusiast. It takes up a lot of time at the weekend and my game requires a lot of improvement! With any time that's left, I also enjoy running with my dog, open water swimming and cycling.
What are you looking forward to when COVID restrictions are hopefully fully lifted in the summer?
I am looking forward to a holiday in the sun. At the moment it seems a holiday abroad is a little optimistic so more realistically, I am looking forward to attending an event with more than 30 people - hopefully my friend's wedding will happen after being postponed three times so far!
What does the future hold for Mrs Morgan?
I'm not sure what the future holds for me at the moment. Once all the children leave home my husband and I plan to go travelling around Europe in a camper van. Short term, I look forward to a few more years of teaching and trying to get a golf handicap that I am prepared to admit to! I would also love to complete a triathlon but I'm not sure I'm brave enough!
