Reflect | Learn | Grow

Ace your teacher training course

Why being prepared matters

Published March 2023

Deciding to become a teacher is a big step. Always hold on to what inspired you to make that decision. For some teachers, there may be less altruistic motives such as money, job stability and, from the outside, the work-life balance of the profession.

For all teachers, there must be a meaningful connection to the profession to excel in the profession. What are those ‘higher level’ motives for you? These could be as simple as just wanting to make a difference or desiring to have a positive role in shaping the future of our species.

Before you begin... act

Be prepared. Get organized and tell your closest family members and friends what to expect. A support network is going to make things easier. Pop into schools, contact teachers and start gathering resources. Join as many good quality resources websites as you can.

For example, the Time Educational Supplement (TES) hosts a teacher resource section on their website and have many intriguing articles about teaching. Reach out and start a mentoring/coaching network. CleverPATHS can certainly help in this regard. Contact recent graduates who have been through this journey and others on your course who will be going through this journey with you.

Many providers will require some sort of work experience before you begin the course or as part of the application process. Make the most of this experience, gather contacts and shadow or watch teachers with a good reputation in the specialism you aspire to work within.

When you start… go with the flow

Ensure you have an outline of the course so that you can plan the year ahead appropriately. With that, you get to create a flow around key milestone. With advance planning, you have an overview and will be able to make the most of the gaps or holidays.

Most courses will have a theory component at the beginning, and a practical placement will form part of the first term or segment of the course. Think through your routine with balance in mind, try it out.

Is it best driving (if that’s an option), car-pooling or using public transport? Should you prepare one or two meals for the day or is the canteen sufficient? Will you have ample opportunities for a break during the day?

It is always good to get out of school and take a walk. Alone or with company. What other slots will there be to exercise, spend time with friends/family or ‘indulge’ somewhat in your hobbies?

When the going gets tough... talk!

There are going to be times that the demands of the course, a bad day or even days at school will cause stress, distress, or tension in your relationships. Speak to your mentor or coach. Do some constructive self-talk too!

Without placing any blame on yourself or others, ask what within your power you could have done differently to ensure a better outcome? Sometimes as a student teacher, it feels like so much is out of your control, so claim back some of that control.

However, sometimes, things really are out of your control. That’s where getting an objective review is crucial. Have you been expected to do more than is reasonable? Is that final period with 9C too much even for the most experienced and skilled teacher?

Whatever happens in the hard times, most likely, someone else has been through something similar or even worse! It is also possible you may have a completely smooth and trouble-free path through the course. Either way, look out for others as you would appreciate being looked out for.

Before the end of the year... prepare

As your course starts to wind down, think carefully about where you want to be this time next year. Start prepping for interviews. Make the most of the highlights and low points of the year as these are interview gold. Use this time to read school reports and previews, so you aim for schools that you would ‘fit’ and they align with your own vision and values.

Collate questions from people who are actively interviewing or being interviewed. Do prep interviews, role play both the interviewed and interviewer. CleverPATHS can help with mock interviews and other interview preparation tips.

At the end of the year... celebrate

Yes! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Celebrate and rejoice when that time comes. But remember, the end of one year is the start of another in teaching! Be selective in the jobs you apply to and even more so in the one you accept.

Occasionally, the euphoria of getting through the year makes you feel invincible, and invincibility leads to poor decision-making, so be warned. That’s why it’s a good idea to start lining up desired job preferences well before that time.

Before you begin that job... think again

Like the teaching calendar, the reality of teaching is cyclical. Each year will have its own flavour, but your first year of teaching has its own roller coasters of events. There is the opportunity to do casual or cover roles if you are not sure what type of school you want to continue in.