What is your background?
I completed my undergraduate in 2020, but have a professional background in retail, marketing and education.
Why did you decide to teach?
I worked as an English Language Assistant during my Year Abroad in Germany. It really sparked my interest in teaching - during my time in Germany, I also worked in marketing which was a stark contrast to my time as an English Language Assistant. Quite frankly, I did not enjoy being sat at the desk the whole time and I felt I was not making a real contribution to society. During my time as an English Language Assistant, I reflected on my own experience as a student and realised if it was not for my teachers, I would not be having this experience right here right now. I wanted to inspire the next generation of students and for them to go forward to have the same experiences as me.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I like that no two days are the same; there is no boring aspect of teaching. It is a challenge like no other, but the most rewarding challenge you can encounter. The people you meet are like no other, both children, colleagues, parents, the list goes on.
Why did you choose the School Centred Initial Teacher Training route and the Cheshire East SCITT?
I chose the SCITT route as you are in school from Day 1, as a result, you are learning on the job from Day 1 with the benefit of the wisdom of the SCITT and the teachers you are working directly with. You are also treated like no other teacher as you are there from Day 1, you are respected by the students you work with. I chose the Cheshire East SCITT specifically because of the support they offer and the amazing training they give. There is no set pace, the training is tailored to you as an individual and you go at a pace you are comfortable with. This allows you to get the most out of your training and develop your areas for development. There is also the prospect of getting a job within Cheshire East and within one of the Chimney House Alliance Schools, for example I got a job at school I was at for Placement A.
What are you looking forward to as an ECT?
I am really excited to go back to my Placement A school to work with all the children that I taught and worked with before. I am excited to get involved in the wider school community and being a Y7 form tutor and see my students go through the school. Obviously, I am really looking forward to the independence of taking ownership of my classes (which is much easier than when you are on placement and have to share classes).
What were the three best things about the programme?
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The people you meet - the other trainees on the course, SCITT team, colleagues on placement and most of the children.
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SCITT Fridays - being able to connect, unload and share your experiences from the past week (good or bad!) with the other trainees and SCITT team.
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The memories you will make - you will make some incredible memories on the course, and you will have a lot of fun, both inside as well as outside the classroom.