Your Teach First Journey: What to Truly Expect This September (and How to Thrive!)
So, the confirmation email landed, the celebratory cheers (or nervous giggles) have subsided, and reality is setting in: you’re starting with Teach First in September! That mix of excitement, anticipation, and maybe a healthy dose of butterflies is completely normal. Stepping into the classroom as a Teach First participant isn’t just a new job; it’s a transformative journey that will challenge and reward you in equal measure. Let’s chat about what lies ahead and how you can step into September feeling prepared and empowered.
Beyond the Acceptance: The Bridge from Applicant to Participant
First things first, take a deep breath and acknowledge your achievement. Getting onto the Teach First programme is competitive – you’ve earned this spot. The period between now and September is your golden time. It’s less about mastering lesson plans immediately (that comes later!) and more about shifting your mindset:
1. From Student to Teacher-Leader: You’re transitioning from being primarily responsible for your own learning to being responsible for the learning and well-being of potentially dozens of young people. Start thinking about what that responsibility means.
2. Understanding the Mission: Revisit why you applied. Teach First exists to tackle educational inequality. Get familiar with the specific challenges faced by the communities you’ll serve. Read reports, explore school websites in areas similar to where you might be placed. This context is crucial.
3. Embrace the Learning Identity: You’re not just a teacher; you’re also a trainee. The Initial Teacher Training (ITT) component is intense. Be ready to be a reflective learner, open to feedback, and proactive in your own development. This isn’t just about surviving the first term; it’s about building a foundation for your future career.
Preparing for Day One: Practicalities and Mindset
While you’ll get specific guidance from Teach First and your placement school, here’s what you can start thinking about now:
The Summer Institute: This intensive training period is your bootcamp. Expect long days packed with pedagogy, classroom management techniques, subject-specific knowledge, and crucially, building your cohort community. Go in ready to engage fully, ask questions, and support your fellow participants. These people become your lifeline.
Logistics & Essentials:
Location & Travel: If your placement location is confirmed, start exploring travel routes and costs. Factor in potential early starts and late finishes.
Supplies: Don’t break the bank yet, but start a list. Think sturdy bag, comfortable shoes (you’ll be on your feet a lot!), reusable water bottle, basic stationery. Your school might provide some resources, but having your own reliable pens, highlighters, and a good notebook is wise.
Professional Appearance: Understand your school’s dress code. Aim for smart, comfortable, and practical.
Mental Prep: Cultivate resilience. Teaching is rewarding but demanding. Practice stress-management techniques that work for you now – whether it’s exercise, meditation, journaling, or talking things through. Building these habits early is key.
Subject Knowledge: If you’re teaching a subject where your degree isn’t a direct match, or if it’s been a while, gently refresh core concepts. Don’t panic about knowing everything – focus on the fundamental building blocks you’ll teach initially.
Stepping Through the School Gates: The First Weeks
September arrives. Your first day/week/month will likely be a whirlwind. Expect:
Information Overload: Policies, procedures, names, timetables, acronyms… it feels like drinking from a firehose. Don’t try to memorize everything instantly. Take notes, ask for clarification (no question is silly!), and lean on your mentor and fellow new starters.
Building Relationships: This is paramount. Focus on learning names (students and staff) quickly. A simple “Good morning, [Name]” goes a long way. Show genuine interest in your students as individuals. Building rapport and trust is your first, most important teaching task. Connect with support staff – they are the backbone of the school.
Observation & Absorption: You’ll likely spend time observing experienced teachers. Watch how they teach, manage the classroom environment, interact with students, and use resources. Focus not just on what they do, but why they do it. What routines are in place? How do they transition between activities?
Your First Lessons: They might be daunting! Start simple. Focus on clear instructions, establishing routines, and building relationships within your class. Your initial lessons are more about setting expectations and learning about your students than delivering complex content perfectly. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t – this is where your training kicks in.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Some days will feel amazing – a student ‘gets it’, a lesson flows beautifully. Other days might feel overwhelming. This is completely normal. Talk to your mentor, your cohort, and utilise Teach First’s support structures. You’re not alone in this.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Strategies for the Long Haul
Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to build sustainability:
1. Master Time Management (as best you can!):
Ruthless Prioritisation: You can’t do everything. Identify the non-negotiables (marking deadlines, lesson planning for tomorrow) and be flexible with the rest.
Batch Tasks: Group similar tasks together (e.g., replying to emails, marking a set of books).
Use Your PPA Wisely: Protect this time fiercely. Use it for focused planning and marking, not just catching up on emails.
Learn to Say No (Politely): Protect your time and energy, especially early on. It’s okay not to volunteer for every extra duty immediately.
2. Build Your Support Network:
Your Cohort: These are your battle buddies. Share resources, vent (constructively), celebrate wins, and support each other. Organise meet-ups or virtual chats.
Your School Mentor: They are your primary guide within the school. Be proactive in scheduling meetings, come prepared with questions, and be open to their feedback.
Teach First Support: Use your Development Lead, the online community, and any wellbeing resources offered. They are there for you.
Friends & Family: Keep connected to your life outside teaching. They provide vital perspective and a listening ear.
3. Embrace Reflective Practice: This is core to the Teach First model and excellent teaching. Regularly ask yourself:
What went well in that lesson/activity?
What didn’t go so well? Why?
What would I do differently next time?
What did my students actually learn? How do I know?
Keep a simple journal – it doesn’t need to be lengthy, just consistent.
4. Prioritise Wellbeing: This isn’t optional; it’s essential for your effectiveness and longevity.
Protect Your Evenings & Weekends: Try to carve out genuine downtime where you aren’t thinking about school. Schedule it in!
Sleep & Nutrition: Fuel your body and mind properly. Exhaustion is a major barrier to good teaching.
Move Your Body: Find physical activity you enjoy – it’s a fantastic stress reliever.
Know Your Limits: If you feel consistently overwhelmed or anxious, speak up. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters
Remember your ‘why’. On the tough days, reconnect with the mission. You are stepping into a role where you can make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of young people who deserve the very best education. You are becoming part of a movement to create a fairer education system. The relationships you build, the knowledge you impart, and the belief you instill in your students have the power to change trajectories.
You’ve Got This!
Starting with Teach First in September is a significant step, filled with immense potential for both your students and yourself. It will be challenging, exhilarating, exhausting, and profoundly rewarding – often all in the same day! Embrace the learning curve, lean on your support, prioritise your wellbeing, and hold onto the core belief that brought you here: that every child deserves an excellent education, and you have a vital part to play in making that a reality.
Get ready for an incredible adventure. Your classroom awaits!
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