Associate Teachers – our first week

ATLP catches up with some of the 58 new Associate Teachers on the Arthur Terry National Teaching School’s (ATNTS) respected School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme at the end of their first week of training and ahead of their first in-school placements.

We asked them why they want to get into teaching, why they chose the Arthur Terry National Teaching School and what they thought of their first week. (Interviewees are pictured left to right):

Name: Grace Dubidat             Subject: English

I went to a very ‘white’ school and the teachers would single me out to get my responses to questions. I’m getting into teaching because I want to work in different settings with mixed ethnicities and to ensure there is positive representation in the classroom. The course has been very interesting so far! It’s good, because there’s lots of theory and I learn in a very academic way. SCITT is school led, so we will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the classroom and there are placements in contrasting schools, which I’m looking forward to.”

Name: Sarah Howell              Subject: Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

I’d been working in the private sector for over 20 years and had also been involved with some Hockey coaching in my spare time.  I was looking for a change in profession where I could use my languages. I have a few friends who are teachers and it seems like a rewarding and fulfilling career.  The Arthur Terry National Teaching School has a strong reputation, with current practitioners. My first week has been challenging, but really informative, focusing on theory and looking at strategies to help us become effective teachers. It’s a very supportive environment.”

Name: Mark Smith                 Subject: Geography

My career was in insurance, but I realised I wanted to do something more worthwhile, to leave a legacy. I have some experience of working with children and young people through Scouts and teaching appeals to me. “The Teaching School is part of a family of schools, with a reputation for excellence. The staff are professional, welcoming and have been supportive at every stage of the application process. The first week has been well-structured, with clear building blocks in place. The tutors (Paul and Joe) are extremely supportive and everybody is friendly and getting on well together – there’s lots of energy in the training room!”

Name: Aaron Brotherton     Subject: Mathematics

I was tutoring students through their GCSEs when I had one of those moments of euphoria and epiphany about teaching. It is such a privilege to be a role model and to be able to nurture young people’s talents. The Arthur Terry National Teaching School has an excellent reputation. Their vision is the same as mine.  There’s been lots of theory and we are very much guided and supported by the tutors, which is giving me the confidence to go out into schools – I’m really excited about being in the classroom!”