I’m Joe, 32 years old and begun my journey with BBSCITT in September, training to be a primary school teacher with BBSCITT’s Wolverhampton Lead Partner: Manor Primary School.
As someone who is joining this course after years in a different career, I can assure you that it is never too late to make the choice to change your life and the lives of others by becoming a teacher. The opportunity to make a positive impact on children and get a real sense of fulfilment out of every day has been the biggest driver for me wanting to move into a career in education.
In the short time I have been on the course, I have been lucky enough to learn from many experienced teachers and to build up a network of fellow trainees, all of whom have been a real source of support as I navigate my way through this journey. I have now started teaching my own solo lessons and can honestly say there is nothing like the feeling of seeing one of your pupils begin to understand something they didn’t before, due to your teaching!
I cannot wait to see what other adventures and challenges the SCITT course has in store for me and all of the other trainees! Make no mistake, this journey will take a lot of hard work, but I guarantee that the rewards will be worth all of the challenges!
Half Term 3
Since my last update a lot has happened! I have submitted my first assignment towards my PGCE, my teaching hours have increased and I have successfully completed my first term of training. Perhaps most importantly, I have now begun my 2nd placement at a different primary school; working with a different year group and a new mentor.
While saying goodbye to my previous class was very difficult, I have loved getting to know and build relationships with my new class. I was fortunate enough in my last placement to work with a fantastic mentor, from whom I learned a great deal about being a teacher. Going into my new placement I feel that my luck has continued as I am being mentored by another fantastic teacher who I have learned so much from already in the few, short weeks we have worked together.
The support of everyone involved with the course from class mentors, to professional mentors, other trainees and even the wider school staff has been incredible so far and has given me the confidence to face each new challenge the course brings. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone considering starting their teaching journey, it would be to build strong relationships with everyone you encounter, as these will see you through!
A few months on from my first post, I remain incredibly excited to continue on this journey towards becoming the best teacher I can be. Watch this space!