Our company may be called Inspiring Teaching, but there are some of our staff who are the definition of inspiring. Step forward Jordan Takpi, a Teaching Assistant with Inspiring Teaching and celebrated children’s author. Having published his first book at 6 years old, Jordan is currently working on his sixth book ‘Imagination Lane’.
We caught up with this amazing young man in the first part of our Inspiring People series: Inspiring People - Jordan Takpi
What led you to work as a Teaching Assistant?
Like a lot of the Inspiring Teaching staff, I came into this career with no previous teaching experience or history of working in a school. I had been working in retail when a friend who worked with Inspiring Teaching recommended that I also join. And I’ve never looked back.
How long have you been working as a Teaching Assistant?
I have been working with Inspiring Teaching since September 2021. I worked 2-3 days per week when first started to learn the role and enjoy added flexibility. I gained experience working in different schools and settings when first started.
This allowed me to work with children with a wide range of support needs and understand the different dynamics within each setting. I’m now working 5 days per week and really enjoying the school I’m working with.
What do you enjoy most about working with Inspiring Teaching?
What I enjoy most are my interactions with the kids and seeing them progress throughout the year. Seeing them smiling and showing emotion even when they don’t have language skills instils such a warm feeling in you every day.
I also enjoy the flexibility that comes with working with an agency. Unlike many of my friends or family, I can work around my schedule which is great when I’m working on a new book.
What advice would you give someone looking to work as a Teaching Assistant?
For me, it's definitely meeting and learning about people. It makes me happy when we can introduce a candidate to a school and both they and the school are happy with each other. It’s amazing when you can help people change their lives in a job that they enjoy.
How long have you been writing children's books?
I’ve been writing books for most of my life. I wrote my first children’s book when I was six.
What inspired you to start writing?
Writing started as a hobby to me as it helped clear my mind from any stress and relax my brain. I was inspired by my mum who was writing books while I was younger. I remember feeling immersed and inspired by that creative culture.
Has writing always been consistent in your life?
For the most part, yes. After my first book was published at 6, I waited until 12 before publishing my second. I got away from writing for a while through high school, but I really picked up focus again during lockdown as I searched for a creative outlet.
The process of writing still relaxes me but I’m now taking it more seriously. I’m now thinking more about using it to bring in a consistent income. I have now self-published five books and I’m working on the sixth ‘Imagination Lane’ that should hopefully be out later this year.
What are your books about?
Two of the books form part of a series following a superhero called ‘Shakershock’ with the third still to be written. The other books are individual stories with their own inspirational messaging.
Inspiring People
We’re lucky to have so many talented and dedicated staff working with us at Inspiring Teaching. We hope that you have enjoyed learning more about Jordan and take a moment to check out his books.
You can find all of Jordan’s books on Amazon:
Jordan's Instagram Account - @Theauthor.JT
Take your first step to joining the Inspiring Teaching Team. We're always on hand to lend a helping hand on your journey to a more rewarding job. Find more information at: https://www.inspiringteaching.co.uk/teachers-tas