What is your background?
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I found purpose in tutoring students online in my subject specialism - Sociology. This helped me get through the tough times of the pandemic and it also allowed me to realise I had the capacity to help and guide others with their studies. I graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2021 as I completed my undergraduate degree in Sociology. I experienced quite a lack of clarity throughout COVID and had a period of time working in hospitality but continued to tutor and this was where I experienced most enjoyment.
After being completely fed up with hospitality and realising my passion for working with young people, I decided to build confidence and gain more experience within a school as a teaching assistant. I spent 16 months at Shavington Academy, one of the SCITT’s partner schools whereby I met a past trainee who helped me to realise that going into teaching with Cheshire East SCITT would be the perfect pathway for me.
Why did you decide to go into teaching?
My A level Sociology teachers helped me to be the best version of myself and made me realise that I was a natural social scientist and change maker. Before them I had very little guidance or clarity around my potential. Whilst tutoring I realised that I had the ability to pass on this passion for the subject but also to awaken the potential within those students to be the best version of themselves too.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Throughout the placements, I have loved supporting students and building relationships with them along the way - finding out about them as individuals. I also love that you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who not only have passion for the subject that I live and breathe too, but also care so much about young people and guiding them through their time at the schools I was placed at. You realise that we are all just constantly learning too!
Why did you choose the School Centred Initial Teacher Training route and specifically the Cheshire East SCITT?
If you feel that you learn best the ‘hands on’ way then Cheshire East SCITT is the route to take into teaching. It is also the best route to take to get a teacher training journey that is bespoke to you. Being open from the beginning that I have anxiety meant that I got to know the SCITT admin staff and they made sure I knew that there was support for me and that I should not let anything stop me from pursuing a teaching career.
Do you have a job for next year and what are you looking forward to?
Whilst writing this I am in the process of applying for a job at Knutsford Academy. I am most looking forward to getting to know classes as my own and having the opportunity to find my teacher identity even further.
What were the three best things about the programme?
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The ability to be in placement schools from the start of the terms so that you feel a part of the school community and get to know processes from the beginning.
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As mentioned above, the fact that the experience almost feels bespoke to you as an individual as you are eased into teaching at your own pace and have great working relationships with your subject mentor and subject expert.
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Having a subject expert who you can contact at any time for a wealth of subject specific advice and guidance.