I seem to be surrounded by teachers. It’s not a surprise I’m getting into education as I’ve probably had so much subliminal messaging through my day to day conversation that it was really my only options at this point.
However, the huge benefit for me, is that I can draw on their wealth of knowledge and experience. One of my friends recently completed her PGCE so I asked her what she wished she had known prior to going in.
This is what she came up with:
1. Be organised and create a routine quickly so that you are NOT taking work home.
2. Don’t try to make things perfect because that is what your mentor is for – remember you are essentially a beginner.
3. Learn students names fast! This helps you build relationships with them quickly, it also makes you look like you’re on top of your game.
4. Don’t be scared to share a little of yourself to your students – you have a life and you’re human, show them that! You will be more relatable.
5. Attempt doing a lesson without using PowerPoint or technology, just to prove to yourself (and you mentor) that you can. Plus it will help in the future when technology does let you down (and it will), you won’t freak out!
6. Start reading for any university essay as soon as you get the topic/question.
7. Observe as many different teachers (in different departments) so you can and write down the things you like. Then you can steal them for your lessons. Don’t forget to observe other teachers teaching topics you are not familiar with. This will give you ideas for when you teach that topic.
8. Have something to look forward to during the Christmas break, because those weeks are dark (physically, spiritually, and emotionally).
9. Use schools’ resources!!!! (Especially if they are good).
10. Don’t be afraid to ask and challenge ideas or way of doing things (use your new position to your advantage, you aren’t meant to know it all!)
11. Use audio recording of books so those that struggle can read along, this speeds up the pace of reading throughout the term.
12. Enjoy your placements as much as you can, don’t stay in your department the whole time, speak to other colleagues and try to engage with school life (bake sale, plays, sports day).
For Science Teachers
13. Have YouTube videos for practicals just in case the student’s practical fails (which most GCSE ones will)
14. Provide students with a written method for your practicals on the IWB (Interactive Whiteboard) – they will forget what you’ve told them to do.
15. If it applies, practise practical’s before doing them in the lesson in front of your students. You don’t want to look inept.
I hope you found these ideas useful and if you have any tips of your own I would love to hear them in the comments.
If you want to know what I’m considering before going into teaching check out my post here.
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