Teach First Insight Programme Review

A fantastic insight into Teach First and the amazing work it does. I met amazing people who share a passion for the Teach First vision. Not only this, but I felt that I learned so many important skills over such a short period of time that it has really encouraged me to consider working for Teach First.

The insight programme had many participants but each one was fully supported throughout the application process and the programme itself.

At each stage the staff were very helpful and quick to respond to any questions or worries that we had. Throughout the application, Teach First assigned a recruiter to oversee the application and call before each stage (e.g. the assessment centre) with tips and information. This was helpful because it meant that participants had somebody to ask questions to.

It was a very rewarding programme with a focus on developing competencies and transferrable skills. They were not only great at helping us to develop these but also to help us reflect on how we were doing so. I felt personally that I took away lots from the programme that could assist in degree studies and beyond.

The insight had the right combination of training and teaching time. By the time the training was complete I felt sufficiently prepared to go into the school and the time at the school was enough to really get a feel for teaching. Each day was well timetabled and planned on both weeks.

The general atmosphere was very positive and rewarding. Although the charity tackles huge problems throughout the UK, the insight programme did extremely well in motivating the participants about how important the cause is and how worthwhile it is. The other participants were all very friendly and it was less daunting having lots of people with similar ambitions and of a similar age doing the programme too.

The insight focused lots on the reasons why we would want to have a full time role with the company but I felt that it did not give enough information of what a realistic, day-to-day life would be like. They explained a lot about the logistics of how to apply and the process but not enough anecdotal information.

Extremely helpful. Beforehand I was unsure as to whether I wanted to pursue a career in teaching but the insight programme helped me understand that by pursuing it for a few years after university it would help me to open up doors to other potential career options but also it would be a great experience in itself.

I was paid well for the two weeks and also we had accommodation provided for the two weeks. The first week was in London and for the second week, participants were sent to schools all over the country. I thought it was slightly unfair that travel expenses were not covered because some people had to travel very far whereas others did not.

They had lots of speakers come in throughout the first week some of whom were part of Teach First. They also had lots of speakers who were ambassadors, meaning that they used to work for Teach First and had since moved on to other companies which was interesting to see.

They organised drinks at the end of the two weeks to celebrate completion of the insight programme. Also, we were in accommodation provided by the programme which meant that all participants were in the same place allowing for easy social occasions. They also had lots of speakers come in, providing more networking opportunities for those who were interested.

I have already recommended this insight to friends. Going into the programme I wasn't sure that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching but having been part of the programme it persuaded me that it is a great career path. That being said, if I had not enjoyed it, the fact that the programme was only two weeks meant that it was a great opportunity to try it out without the commitment of a long contract.