By Sam Spencer
A paid teaching internship is a great way to gain some experience in the classroom and find out whether teaching is for you. In this interview, Economics and Finance student Sam Spencer talks about his internship and plans for the future.
Why did you want to take part in the internship programme?
I’ve always been interested in teaching. I am a keen sportsman and I’ve always worked with children — I’m a sailing coach for example. I wanted to work out whether teaching was for me, and the internship was a great way to gain experience in a school to inform my decision.
What was the application process like?
I found out about the internship via my university careers service, read up about it, downloaded the application form, wrote my personal statement and applied! The interview morning was good preparation for my teacher training application. I had a subject knowledge task to complete in a group, a short presentation and then an interview.
What did you learn on the internship?
The staff I worked with were great role models, truly committed to the welfare and progress of the children they teach. There is a very strong sense of team work in schools, which are very busy and fast-paced environments to work in. It was never boring and the days went so quickly. I learnt how children progress at different rates and in different ways, and how skilled teachers deal with this. I also learnt that it’s not just about the subject you teach — there’s so much more to school life.
What was the best part of your internship?
Definitely the teaching and the children. The pupils were approachable and wanted to engage and get to know you. Being in the classroom was initially a little scary but really enjoyable, and now I know I can do it! We didn’t have to teach on the internship but I really wanted to give it a go, and I did after three weeks. It was really confidence building.
Describe your average school day
I got together with the maths team first thing, went to tutor period, then followed the school timetable — shadowing; learning; helping out in lessons; and discussing teaching and learning with the teachers. Over time this built up to include a little team teaching. No lesson was ever the same, despite the structure of the day. After lessons, I often supported a school sports or STEM club.
Are you thinking of applying for teacher training?
Yes. I’m starting my training in September 2019 at the Wildern Partnership SCITT, which is linked to the partnership where I did my internship.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about training to teach?
Find out as much as you can about the different routes into teaching, attend recruitment events and do your research on the programmes you’re interested in. There are so many information events you can attend these days. Gain some experience in the classroom and spend time with children learning. The internship is a great way to do this and there is no commitment to enter the profession afterwards. You’ll also get lots of support and advice to help with your application if you decide to go for it!
Students studying STEM subjects can get school experience and be paid £300 per week in the Teaching Internship scheme. Applications for this summer close soon, so find out more on the Get into Teaching website now!
