So You’re Starting with Teach First This September? Buckle Up for the Ride of Your Life!
The email confirming your place has landed. The acceptance letter is maybe even printed out and pinned somewhere (or at least saved safely in a folder named “BIG STUFF”). You’re officially starting with Teach First this September! Cue the whirlwind of emotions: excitement bubbling like a shaken soda can, anticipation buzzing in your veins, and yes, probably a healthy dose of “What on earth have I signed up for?!” nerves. It’s completely normal. This isn’t just a new job; it’s stepping onto a rollercoaster designed to challenge, inspire, and transform you in ways you can’t fully grasp yet. Let’s talk about what lies ahead as you gear up for this incredible journey.
That Summer Feeling: More Than Just Sunshine
Right now, summer stretches ahead. It’s tempting to see it as one long holiday before the “real work” begins. Resist that urge! While rest and recharge are absolutely essential (seriously, prioritise sleep, hobbies, and seeing loved ones), this pre-September period is golden preparation time.
Dive into the Details: Your Teach First team will be sending information – lots of it. Don’t let it pile up unread. Log into the portals, familiarise yourself with the timelines, training modules (like Summer Institute!), and essential paperwork. Knowing where things are and what needs doing when removes a huge layer of future stress. Bookmark key websites and make note of important contacts.
Location, Location, Location: If you’re relocating, now’s the time to get housing sorted, understand your commute, and explore your new area. Even if you’re staying put, find out exactly where your school is. A practice journey during rush hour isn’t a bad idea! Feeling settled geographically makes a huge difference.
Mindset Matters: Start gently shifting your internal clock. If you’ve been on a student schedule or a different job rhythm, begin adjusting towards school hours. Mentally prepare for early starts and the energy demands of the day. Reflect on why you chose Teach First. Reconnect with your core motivation – you’ll need that anchor later.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect the Unexpected
Let’s be real: those first few weeks, even months, can be intense. You’ll experience soaring highs – the first time a tricky concept clicks for a student, the genuine connection made, the sense of purpose in action. You’ll also likely hit lows – moments of overwhelm, lessons that flop spectacularly, days where you question your ability. This is all part of the process.
Embrace the Learning Curve: You’re training on the job. It’s demanding and fast-paced. You won’t know everything. That’s okay. Teach First doesn’t expect you to be the finished article on Day One. Be kind to yourself. View every stumble, every challenging interaction, as crucial data for learning and growth. Ask “What can I learn from this?” instead of “Why did I mess up?”
Vulnerability is Strength: It’s tempting to put on a brave face and pretend you’ve got it all figured out. Don’t. Your Teach First community – your fellow participants, your mentor, your Development Lead – is your lifeline. Share the struggles. Ask for help. Say “I don’t understand” or “I need support.” This isn’t weakness; it’s the smartest, strongest thing you can do. Bottling it up leads to burnout.
Find Your People: Connect early and often with your cohort. These are the people who truly get it – the specific pressures, the unique challenges, the shared mission. They’ll be your sounding board, your cheerleaders, your partners in venting and problem-solving. Build those relationships; they are invaluable.
Surviving and Thriving in Term 1: Practical Survival Kit
Beyond the emotions, there are practical strategies that make a tangible difference:
1. Routine is Your Rock: Establish simple, sustainable routines fast. When do you prep? When do you mark? When do you stop? Protecting time for meals, exercise (even a 20-minute walk), and sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s non-negotiable for resilience. Batch tasks where possible.
2. Observe Like a Hawk: Your first weeks will involve significant observation time. Use it wisely. Don’t just watch the teacher; watch the students. How do they react? Who interacts? Who drifts? Notice routines, transitions, and how behaviour is managed. Take copious notes. Ask experienced colleagues why they do things a certain way.
3. Planning: Start Small, Aim Smart: Over-ambitious planning is a classic newbie trap. Focus on clear objectives for each lesson: What do I want them to know/be able to do by the end? Start with solid, manageable lessons rather than elaborate productions. Use resources provided by the school and Teach First – don’t reinvent the wheel! Aim for progress, not perfection.
4. Build Relationships (Carefully): This is paramount. Learn names quickly. Show genuine interest in your students as individuals. Be consistent and fair. Building rapport takes time and conscious effort, but it’s the foundation of effective teaching and classroom management. Find out what motivates them, what they care about.
5. The Power of “Not Yet”: You will make mistakes. Lessons will bomb. You might lose your cool. Instead of “I failed,” frame it as “I haven’t mastered this yet.” Adopt a growth mindset for yourself just as you will encourage in your students. Analyse what went wrong, seek advice, and try a different approach next time.
6. Lean on Your Support Network: Teach First provides structured support – mentors, tutors, training sessions. Engage fully. Come prepared with questions and reflections. But also build informal support within your school. Find the friendly, experienced colleague who doesn’t mind the occasional “Is this normal?” question. A supportive department head or form tutor can be a goldmine of context and advice.
The Bigger Picture: Why “First” Matters More Than Ever
Starting in September means you’re stepping into schools at a pivotal moment. The educational landscape carries the weight of recent challenges. The need for passionate, committed teachers in the communities Teach First serves is profound. Remember the core mission: addressing educational inequality. The work is hard because the stakes are high.
Those moments of breakthrough you’ll experience – when a student grasps something they thought was impossible, when you see their confidence grow, when you realise you’re making a tangible difference in their life chances – these are the moments that fuel the journey. They are powerful, humbling, and utterly irreplaceable.
September Beckons: Your Adventure Starts Now
So, future Teacher? Get ready. Starting with Teach First this September is an initiation unlike any other. It will test your limits, stretch your capacities, and demand everything you have to give. There will be days you feel exhausted. There will be days you feel invincible.
Embrace the uncertainty. Celebrate the tiny victories. Forgive yourself the stumbles. Lean on your incredible Teach First community. Remember your “why” when the going gets tough. And know this: you are stepping into one of the most impactful, transformative, and ultimately rewarding professions there is.
The classroom door is about to open. Take a deep breath. Trust in your potential and the support around you. Your Teach First adventure is about to begin – get ready to learn, grow, and make a real difference. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. Good luck!
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