Why I chose to become a teacher
Teaching is a career where you are able to make a difference. While you rarely see the finished product in one day, the feeling at the end of term, the electrifying energy which charges a classroom, seeing your students achieve their potential and succeed, are the rewards for this demanding and challenging job.
Equipping learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to tackle whatever comes their way is a true privilege. Yes, I have a total passion for my subject (geography), but helping set up students for whatever 21st Century Britain might throw at them, is a challenge worth rising to. That is why I chose to become a teacher.
Let us be under no illusion; teaching is a full-on career. The early mornings, the eight o’clock queue for the photocopier, the break time duties and the marking are all parts of the job we should not forget. But they should never put you off.
My experiences to date have been in a true comprehensive state school, teaching a range of ages and abilities. From top set GCSE groups through to less able younger students, I have taught a range of topics and experimented with a mixture of teaching styles.
The beauty of the training year is that you get to experiment in a way you won’t be able to in a full-time position once qualified. My colleagues in school have been amazing at encouraging me to experiment, always offering constructive feedback and sometimes incorporating resources I have created into their own lessons.
Regular meetings with both my Professional and Subject Mentors in school have enabled me to progress and set weekly targets, making progression less daunting. There have been challenging days, none the least when I thought I had planned a lesson spectacularly well, lest it goes pear shaped in its execution. But that gives you an opportunity to reflect and improve for next time.
I cannot fault the support given by Alex, Early Engagement Adviser*, and later, Kath Kruiniger, Teacher Training Adviser, who provided unrivalled guidance throughout the application process. Through regular communication (sometimes daily emails and regular phone calls), I feel my application was strong and I was fully prepared for the interviews. Without this support, I would have been nowhere near as prepared.
Our early engagement team support those looking to start teacher training in two years’ time. If you’re a second-year undergraduate or looking to change career, call us on Freephone 0800 389 2500 or register online to find out how we can help you.
