“I think FTS has prepared me well. I think I’d have been much more nervous if I was thrown straight into it in September, having not been part of FTS.”
Applying for my first role was terrifying! It’s really strange when you’re trying to fill in a Teaching Application when you aren’t a qualified teacher yet! The FTS team were amazing though, they helped me shape my CV and Cover Letter into something professional, but without it losing the essence of “me”! The Employment Coordinator was fantastic and would spend time to answer any question I had, as well as ring me before Interviews to go through some prep and mock questions! I felt so supported, which when you’re up against NQTs and possibly even teachers who have been qualified for years, its a real comfort. Plus, the information that FTS provide schools you’re applying to really highlights the benefits that that school would get by hiring you- we’ve joined a really exciting and interesting new way into teaching, and schools are keen to learn more about us!
My first term has been fantastic! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had bad days and bad lessons, but I’ve been able to learn from them. I’m supported by an amazing department, who make me feel like a proper part of the team, and not just a trainee. At first, I was really nervous. We all just want to do right by the kids, and going into Day 1 as a trainee in charge of my own classes, teaching my own lessons, you really do worry that you’ll somehow fail them. You won’t!
My biggest success has been the relationships I’ve formed with one of my classes. This class is a very small class as they need extra support, but because I have such a good relationship with them, they will focus, get on with their work, and if I have to calm them down it usually takes one countdown and they’re with me again. They’ll even produce some fantastic work last lesson on a Friday! The best feeling though is that they always try their hardest, and because of that they are making progress!
I think FTS has prepared me well. I think I’d have been much more nervous if I was thrown straight into it in September, having not been part of FTS. Being able to witness, discuss and reflect on teaching experiences during training days and the National Conferences have helped and also given me some great ideas. The online modules have given me some great background knowledge, and having days specifically on things like Behaviour Management have been really useful. I think the National Conferences have been the best part, because being able to network with other scholars has been invaluable!
