After his high school and college studies in Sport, Management and Entrepreneurship, Bart worked in various commercial positions. ‘After my studies, I started as assistant product manager and buyer of bicycle parts at AGU in Alkmaar. I then worked for a number of years as an inside salesman at a company selling roof hatches and made a small foray into a job as shop manager in a bicycle shop, but retail proved difficult to combine with my family. In retrospect, I was really searching during those years.’
When Bart was made aware of teaching opportunities by a friend, he was immediately enthusiastic. Becoming a maths teacher: it seemed really cool, but I also immediately saw obstacles on the road. Working full-time and taking a new higher education course at the same time was also, in my eyes, incompatible with home. So I am very lucky that Pontis offered me a full-time job that gives me enough time to go to school and prepare for exams. Of course, I still pay the necessary attention to my studies in my spare time, but these exemptions have definitely won me over.‘
‘Why I chose maths? I already liked maths as the most fun subject at school and I was also relatively good at it. I like the study and I can count on great guidance at my school. Yes, you are definitely thrown in at the deep end as a lateral entrant. I had to go in front of the class pretty quickly, but I also got a workplace supervisor from the maths section right away and so far -I've been on the road for six months now- I love it. It is great to be able to work with children and, as a teacher, you are also a bit of your own boss. The fact that later when my children go to school I will be free when they are is also a huge advantage. You see, I'm super excited about this step.’