Why did you choose Straight to Teaching?
Before I started QTS I was a TA at my current school, which is a special needs school. I’d been at my school for just over three months when I was approached by members of the SLT. They’d seen that I had a degree and, from previous conversations, had an inclination that I’d be interested in progression, particularly to teach.
Before joining my current school I worked in EYFS settings and schools as a room leader, which entailed planning, resourcing and tracking pupil progress, so I’d already gained some experience of the roles and responsibilities of a teacher.
While working in other settings, I completed a BA Honours degree in education, working full time and completing the degree part time. I’ve always found that working alongside completing training, although challenging and requiring good time management skills, provides me with the opportunity to become a reflective practitioner to aid my learning.
How did you find the programme?
I completed my programme in five school terms. This time flew by but it also allowed me enough time to learn, develop and reflect on my practice. I completed a 30-day second school placement, which was in a mainstream school, therefore totally different to my main school.
I was lucky with my second school placement, because I utilised contacts I already had and went to a second school that was attached to my previous EYFS setting. However, I also carried out research to locate other mainstream schools nearby to provide me with available options and opportunities.
While studying and working, I ensured I gave myself time to manage both work and study commitments. My current school provided me with two sessions of PPA time, this allowed me to use one session to focus on school planning and resourcing and then the second session to focus on studying. I also allocated a given number of hours at home in my own time to ensure I was meeting study targets and submitting work on the Tes portal as necessary.
My mentor was chosen by my school for me, based on relationships already built and to provide support where appropriate. My contact with my mentor consisted of weekly meetings, regular observations and feedback, setting personal and professional targets and reviewing them at regular intervals.
What advice would you give someone thinking about starting Straight to Teaching?
I would like to advise anyone contemplating the Straight to Teaching route to stop hesitating and do it! If you believe that you can manage the work load of studying while gaining vital experience then you should go for it, it’s hard work, but worth it. If you feel you can offer something to change even one child’s life through education, nurture and care, then this is the route for you.
