A FORMER teacher has started a business to motivate and inspire professionals in the classroom.

Joo-Lee Stock, from Durham, has launched a coaching service to work with newly-appointed and promoted teachers in secondary schools.

The 45-year-old, a former director of performing arts, said: "Every teacher is passionate about developing children. However, the demands of teaching are such that full potential is never reached. I coach to bring out their true potential within the classroom.

"I have taught in schools in Malaysia, Belfast and the North-East and have been a teacher for more than 20 years, so I can fully appreciate how difficult it can be to find the balance between teaching, focusing on the curriculum, developing the children, and your own career."

Coaching is a growing industry in the UK, and schools have started to employ coaches to develop their business side.

Ms Stock said; "This is a great time to start up as the Department for Education and Skills have implemented a five-year strategy for children and learners to improve, and coaching is on the agenda.

"I have amassed a wealth of experience and skills within education and want to use this experience to help others to make a real difference."

After securing a postgraduate certificate in further professional studies in education, Ms Stock trained as a coach at the University of Chester and the Coaching Academy, in London.

She set up Joo-Lee Stock Coaching, with support from Business Link, Women into the Network and the Arts Council.