The latest cohort of Teach First trainees are about to start
their (virtual) Summer Institute where they get initial training on the
programme and teaching in general. It is now 2 years since I embarked on the
same journey and it is normal to feel a little apprehensive, especially this
year when it will all look a little different.
I had a wonderful time during my own summer institute and
the Teach First team do a fantastic job but if I could go back again there are
a few things I would do differently to get even more out of the experience.
A few things I would recommend to get the most out of Summer
Institute are:
1.
Embrace the research
It was a bit of a running joke how much Teach First
referenced Teach Like a Champion during SI but the research-informed training
Teach First offer is excellent. Some of it is hard to appreciate when it is
theoretical and you may need to be in a classroom trying out some of the
techniques to recognise the full value of it but please do embrace the
educational research that you are exposed to.
I have blogged in the past about how this understanding of
the cornerstone of recent cognitive science and educational research has given
me a foundation to build upon and for me to continuously return to over the
past few years. My biggest regret is that I did not embrace more of what I was
given straight away during SI.
Having said that, do not panic if you find you are facing a
bit of a cognitive overload and starting to forget things. This is natural,
especially before you can apply it. Just embrace the learning, complete
reflection exercises you are given, and it will be an invaluable reference for
you to return to in the future.
2.
Make Contacts
The Teach First network is a powerful tool to help you both for
personal and professional support. Whilst it will be harder when done remotely
make sure you swap details with fellow trainees and TF Ambassadors that you
interact with. Getting to know other trainees in your area (both in your
subject and elsewhere) is so helpful in giving you people to bounce ideas off
and to share the peaks and troughs of the following few years with.
As you progress in your teaching career, you will realise
the value of having these contacts in a variety of different types of schools
and subjects to call upon for guidance. It is only now that I am started to
appreciate the impact this network is having on my development and I wish I had
made more of an effort to keep in touch with my fellow trainees.
There is a lot of great support out there, but nobody really
understands what you are going through like a fellow trainee!
3.
It is not a competition!
Whilst fellow trainees
are a wonderful source of support, there can also be a negativity attached to it
if you view them as competitors. Teaching is a profession that only works when
it is collaborative and remember that you are all in the same boat and going on
the same journey.
I struggled a bit with ‘impostor syndrome’ during SI,
looking at others I perceived as being more prepared than me and feeling I did
not really belong on the programme. Just remember, everyone will pick things up
at a difference pace and the beauty and challenge of Teach First is that nobody
knows what they are doing when they start!
There is no value to be had in comparing yourself to others.
Support and help each other and remember that it is not a race.
4.
Make
use of the support that is available to you
There is a tremendous amount of support available to make
this journey as successful as possible for you. If you are struggling (and I
have spoken in the past of some of the mental health challenges I experienced
in teaching) then please do consider the Teach First support helpline who can
assist.
Similarly, be sure to make use of your development lead.
They are a wonderful source of support, there to ensure you can be the best
possible teacher you can be and prioritise your welfare. It is worth spending
the time to discuss how you are feeling with them and any anxieties you may be
having. They will be such an important part of your Teach First journey and are
there to help so it is a good investment of your time to build a good personal
rapport with your development lead.
Also, the connection with your university tutor is an important
one to build. Due to the intensive nature of training, there is limited time
for subject-specific development so this time with your university tutor will
be indispensable. Share with them how you are feeling, ask plenty of questions
and make the most of them!
5.
Have fun!
Perhaps most importantly, it is a thoroughly enjoyable few
weeks learning about this exciting profession and the role you will have
working with pupils who need it the most to reduce educational inequality in this
country at a time when it has never been needed more.
You will meet some inspiring people and I have never met a
Teach First trainee who does not wish they could go back and do SI all over
again!