Me and my Teacher Training Advisor
In this joint post, we hear from Teacher Training Adviser (TTA) Jane Wilkinson and trainee teacher David Nicklas, who she supported through the teacher training application process.
Jane — Teacher Training Adviser
Teaching is a unique profession. No two minutes are the same (let alone two days!), and you get to see first-hand the difference all your hard work is making to your students. The strong relationships you develop with colleagues are also a pleasure — many of the people who I have trained and taught alongside have become my closet friends.
As a TTA I’ve supported 538 aspiring teachers with their applications to teacher training programmes, of which 418 were offered a place. One of these is David, who is now half way through his teacher training course. I helped David identify the best course for him, draft his personal statement, select suitable referees, and prepare for his interview. Having worked so closely with him, I was delighted when he told me that he’d achieved a place (especially as he led me to believe with his strong acting skills that he’d been turned down!)
David — Trainee teacher
While I do have days when I am exhausted, I would still happily sign up to teach for free — especially when I think of my friends stuck in stagnating offices. I have never felt as fulfilled as when I’m in front of a class and know I’ve won their full attention.
I really enjoy how varied the children’s responses are — they might try to mimic my accent, or debate with me about who would win a fight between Dumbledore and Gandalf. Having the opportunity to adapt to these situations and shape my lessons to the children’s responses is exhilarating. Allowing young people the opportunity to have discussions about topics they would never usually speak about is what provides my ‘Bunsen Burner’ moments.
Seeing the children progress is also really rewarding. The awe of seeing them ‘getting’ the difficult language we are learning has inspired me and helped me thrive in my teaching practice.
I wish my TTA could come to my school placement and see me at my best, delivering teaching to a class of engaged students. I wish she could see this and know that she was the catalyst for all this happening.
The service I received from the TTA service was phenomenal, from my first tentative steps into the application process, to writing my personal statement, to succeeding at interview. My TTA was there to support me every step of the way, offering practical advice and meaningful encouragement whenever I needed it. I really do believe that without the service I would not be where I am today. On behalf of myself and the pupils I teach, I would like to say a massive thank you.
Register for your own Teacher Training Adviser on the Get Into Teaching website.
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