Trainee Testimonials Secondary

My teacher training journey started when I was a student at one of the Trust’s schools - Arrow Vale High School. I became inspired by the teachers who taught me and from those years at Arrow Vale, I knew that my career goal was to become a teacher. After achieving my degree at university, I still had the determination to become a teacher and so I decided that following the School’s Direct pathway with Teach Central was the best choice to make. Since September, I have grown in confidence, knowledge, and experience in the teaching world. Through Teach Central, I have been able to work with excellent subject and professional mentors at my placement schools, who give strong support and advice. The School Direct route with Teach Central has given me the needed opportunity and exposure to teaching, through the more hands-on approach. Personally, I prefer first-hand experience, as it allows for me to learn better and have a greater understanding. Now at the end of my Initial Teacher Training year, I have enjoyed every aspect of it. Teach Central has been at the core of it and has been fully supportive, ensuring all Associate Teachers have the capability, development, and knowledge to become successful teachers within the trust and beyond.

Teaching has always been my passion, but I was unsure of how to begin my career once I finished my undergraduate degree. By completing my training through Teach Central, I have had a fantastic introduction to teaching. This route gives me the best of both worlds: I have gained practical experience within the classroom while receiving relevant pedagogy sessions and support from university. Teach Central’s training has equipped me with various strategies that I can implement and adapt in order to improve the quality of my teaching. Moreover, my experience in the classroom has allowed me to form positive relationships with my students; something that I have always been passionate about. Most importantly, Teach Central offers me support and comfort as I navigate the challenges of teaching - no question is a stupid question, and I never feel alone. I would not be the trainee I am today without Teach Central!

Initially, I was uncertain about what to expect from Teach Central and how it would differ from traditional routes of obtaining my PGCE. However, I can confidently assert that I made the correct decision. From the outset, the support and practical experiences I gained in the classroom have been instrumental in my development as an educator. The weekly meetings and the unwavering commitment of everyone involved in ensuring that I am on the right track and receiving the necessary support have been invaluable. Additionally, the extra classroom experience provided by Teach Central, compared to more conventional routes, is truly priceless as it equips me with the skills and knowledge required to become an exceptional teacher. Furthermore, the CPD sessions offered by the trust have been immensely beneficial to my personal and professional growth. Overall, I am delighted to be a part of the Teach Central family and deeply grateful for the unwavering support I have received. I wholeheartedly recommend Teach Central to anyone aspiring to pursue a PGCE.

 

I am currently undergoing ITT as a trainee affiliated with Teach Central. If asked to encapsulate my experience within the institution in two succinct terms, they would be: challenging and enlightening. I selected Teach Central as my educational partner due to its esteemed reputation for professionalism, and it has consistently met my expectations. The last but maybe the most important part of being a trainee at Teach Central is that the trust has provided me with supportive, trustworthy and kind mentors which I will always be grateful for.

Trainee Testimonials Primary

"The world is a better place today as there is now one more inspirational teacher within it. Never forget to believe in yourself like you believe in the children. Well done for all you have achieved so far and will continue to achieve in the future."

“It has been a pleasure working with Chloe this term in Year 4! Chloe has gained confidence in her teaching practice and it has been lovely seeing her build positive relationships with her pupils. Chloe has developed her knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum by successfully teaching a range of subjects each week! Good luck and all the best in your job in September, you’re going to be a great teacher!”

"I believe amazing humans make amazing teachers and Lucy has kept that belief going. Well done Lucy, for achieving your dream. Now I am looking forward to working with you as a colleague".

 

What we are looking for

We are looking for people who have the right personal qualities and potential to be a passionate and committed teacher to improve the outcomes for the young people we work with. While experience of working with young people is not essential, it is often found that the strongest applicants are those who have shown an interest in working with young people and a willingness to get some experience of school where possible. You are likely to be asked at interview about your experiences of being in a school, even if it just from an observational point of view. We are looking for those who have:

• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Commitment to working hard
• Ability to establish good working relationships
• Confidence and ability to engage with children
• Commitment to a professional team
• Commitment to excellence in education
• Flexibility

Training Programme

Teach Central and our partner, Birmingham City University, work closely together to deliver a programme to meet the needs of local schools, local learners and local teachers. Trainees spend the majority of their time in school-based practice and centre-led training sessions at specific times.

Central to the curriculum is the study of education, pedagogy and professional practice from both generic and subject-specific perspectives, which is delivered using a combination of practical workshops, taught sessions, seminar groups and individual study.

 

To complement this is a programme of subject knowledge and enhancement that supports the development of subject pedagogy. Specialist subject knowledge is up-dated throughout the course to ensure trainee teachers are fully conversant with curriculum requirements.

Trainee teachers are expected, as early career professionals, to take on significant responsibility for their own progress and development. A system of professional development profiling is welcomed particularly among those who have completed the course because it sets them apart from their peers in their first year of teaching.

We offer multi-tiered levels of support to guarantee that our trainees make exceptional progress throughout their training and beyond: our provision includes subject based mentor with a dedicated session each week one-to-one, professional mentor, Trust Lead of ITT and University tutor.

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If you are interested in School Experience, please contact us to organise time in one of our partner schools across the family.

We are located in schools throughout the West Midlands and Worcestershire and can offer experience across Primary, First, Middle & Secondary phases.