Teacher training adviser Jane Wilkinson shares her top tips on applying in lockdown.
Teacher training course providers have been really effective in adapting to lockdown and are taking a ‘business as near usual as possible’ attitude. Whether you’ve been inspired by home schooling, are considering your options after uni or want a more fulfilling career, now is the time to begin your application! Here are my top tips.
Pick a provider… or three!
Your first step is to research teacher training providers. The Department for Education have a helpful tool to help you search all the courses available in the country. You can apply to up to three in the first stage, so it’s a good idea to choose a few options.
Once you’ve picked your providers, it’s worth contacting them directly and having a chat about what their course is like on a day to day basis. They will be more than happy to answer your questions, but bear in mind that they may take a little longer to reply than usual at this busy time.
Find out what their recruitment criteria are and who your mentors will be while you are in teaching practice. It’s also important to ask if you’ll have access to experiences that reflect your ambitions for your teaching. For example, you might be passionate about working with children with special educational needs, or be keen to get involved with extra-curricular clubs.
Following providers on social media can be really useful too. It’s a good way to get a feel for their approach and personality without being able to visit, and you’ll be the first to know about and online support they offer, such as virtual open days or videos.
Make a statement
The most important part of your application is your personal statement. Start off by explaining why you want to teach young people. Think about what inspires you, but avoid using clichés or song lyrics!
Follow up by considering what you’ve learned from your experience. This could be teaching someone at home or work, tutoring, or youth work in the community. Try to avoid being too descriptive. Rather than telling a whole story, focus on why and how you supported learning or saw someone else support it.
Finish off your statement by explaining why you’ll make an excellent teacher. Don’t forget to back up your points with evidence. How might you have developed outstanding communication skills or the ability to organise your day well? Focus on your existing skills and experiences, aiming to showcase these as best as you can.
Lights, camera, action
Most interviews for teacher training have moved online in lockdown. We are all well used to video calls now, but an online interview may still feel daunting.
One thing I hate about video calls is being able to see myself on the screen. Most platforms will allow you to minimise your view of yourself, so practice doing this beforehand to avoid distraction.
As with any interview, preparation is really important. Make sure you are familiar with the platform the interview will be held upon, and make sure that you’ve asked the cat to leave at the appointed time! (Same goes for partners, children, other pets, housemates etc.)
Here are a few other things to consider:
- Have all the details of your interview in advance. Make sure you know what you are required to do, how and when.
- Have a test run. Check that your equipment works and is correctly set up, that you can access the video app or website, and that the lighting and sound are adequate. Try it all out with a friend to iron out any issues.
- Fully charge all of your equipment. You don’t want your battery to run out part-way through and interrupt your interview.
- Be careful with what you say. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you are on mute when you aren’t.
- Think about your location. Where in your house is suitable, free from distraction and noise? Think about what can be seen in the background — is it appropriate? Test this to be sure of what is visible on camera.
- Dress professionally. Looking smart and professional will make a good impression and help you feel confident, even if you’re stuck in your spare room.
- Turn off all notifications, ring tones and alarms on your phone and computer.
Get yourself an expert!
If you’d like more advice, why not register on the Get Into Teaching website for free one-to-one support from a teacher training adviser like me? We are experienced teachers who delight in reading personal statements, giving advice on courses, and empowering our applicants to give stellar interviews.
You could also join our Facebook group, where you can get help from advisers and chat with other aspiring teachers.
