Tell us about you and why you opted for a career in education
I studied PBS, psychological behavioural sciences, at Cambridge university. When I left sixth form, I had a pretty good idea that I wanted to have a career in education because I found that coming from an ethnic minority background and a state school, where teachers didn't really know how students got into Oxbridge, I felt that the only reason I actually got there was because of my teachers' belief in me. I realised how valuable that was for a student and I would love to be able to provide that for others.
Then in my final year of university, I did a project about young carers from ethnic minority backgrounds, and I could relate to the struggle at a personal level, because I have an older brother who has cerebral palsy. So I have an interest in how we can support young carers or people who are looking after children in education. It's an area that I'd like to explore further.
Why did you chose to study with Tes Institute?
I chose Tes Institute because I realised that I wanted a route into education where I could actually focus on teaching as much as possible, rather than a university route. And based on the conversations that I had with my ex-teacher at the time, everything they told me about the programme was really, really positive – so I went with it.
Were you familiar with Tes Institute before you applied?
No, not really. After my ex-teacher told me about it, I did a little bit of research and I found some really positive reviews. I spoke to people who had trained on the course and I also looked at some other alternatives and I found that this was the best fit for me, based on my personal circumstances.
How has the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) course supported your professional development and career goals?
I think all of the training has been really useful in providing me with all the theory that has informed my practice, and being able to continuously reflect back on that. The resources from the online sessions, the in-person training that we attended and all of the assignments provided me with all the background knowledge that I could possibly need to continue to refine my practice.
What did you enjoy about how the course was delivered?
I think it's got a really nice structure to it. The online sessions always related to what the weekly focus was, which was based on our training plan. I liked how the deadlines were feasible, but they also ensured that I was up to date in terms of my organisational skills so I was never too overwhelmed. And, if I ever was, I found that the support was always there.
Has the ITT course helped you to build your confidence?
Yes, absolutely. I think, at the start of the year, I was already very passionate about the job, I've wanted to be a teacher for some time now. But the course itself and all the skills that I've developed and refined in the continuous reflections have really made me feel much more confident in my abilities.
Over the year I've applied for certain roles that I didn't think I'd get, but have ended up with. Next year, I'm going to be the subject lead for psychology, as well as PSHE and mental health schoolwide, which is a massive achievement that I don't think would have been possible without the support that this course has provided me with.
As a teacher, where do you feel the most confident?
I think in the classroom. I know that I'm an expert in my subject, and to be able to have conversations with students and answer their queries, or help them with their next steps, whether that be within education or outside of that, I feel that I'm able to be most myself – and it's always nice when I can see my students progressing and valuing that I'm there to support them.
What type of support did you receive as a Tes Institute learner? And how has this helped you progress?
My go-to sources of support have always been my mentor and pathway tutor. They've always been there, regardless of the day or time, they were always there to answer any questions I had. I never needed anything more than that. Really. They had all the answers.
What would you tell another person who's thinking of applying for this course?
I would say go for it. If you know that you want to be in the classroom and you think you're someone who is quite organised and manages deadlines. It's a challenge, but if you've got the passion, just do it.
How would you sum up your experience in one sentence?
I guess I'd say it's been a little bit challenging but extremely rewarding at the same time. And if I could do it again, I would.
What's next for you?
I'm extremely proud to share that the research project I completed during my final year at the University of Cambridge titled ‘A qualitative study investigating the experiences of young adults caring for a sibling with disability within immigrant families in the UK: “Challenges are just the constant” has been published in the Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability.
Watch Simmi's learner story
