Teach First Taster Review

I really enjoyed the virtual experience. I was immediately made to feel comfortable so that my inhibitions were quickly dissolved when I began the online taster course. The leaders/staff running the online taster made a really comfortable working environment so I was able to fully express myself. The taster Experience was meant to be in person, so some activities were adjusted but it was really well done.

All the staff running the teach first taster session were extremely approachable and welcoming. This made me engage well with the programme and helped me to feel confident in my thoughts and interactions. I felt valued by teach first as they explained and offered a range of different opportunities that stretch into the future, so I can continue to engage with them.

I found the support was really strong throughout the whole experience. As the staff and other attendees were all so kind and inclusive, aligned with teach first values- I felt confident to ask questions. Both days had sessions to ask questions about the teach first organisation and if anything couldn't be answered, the staff made sure to get back to you.

I found my interaction skills really developed over the taster experience. As it was held over zoom this was a new way of working to adapt to. The teach first competencies guided our learning which helped me to focus on the specific skills I was acquiring and where I needed to improve.

The teach first taster was really well structured as it followed a timetable over the two days. We were also assured there was some contingency time to adjust the timetable if any session ran over. This meant we always finished on time and received full breaks away from the screen.

The general atmosphere was really inclusive and supportive. I felt safe and included while on the zoom call the entire time. All the staff guided the attendees gently and kindly while all the attendees were briefed on appropriate etiquettes before the taster session began. The only thing I would say is uncertainty and awkward pauses when navigating social cues are explicit because of being online rather than in person.

All the leaders involved in the experience introduced their role fully and made themselves accessible to answer questions. Also there was a variety of different spokespeople from different parts of the company that spoke to us. This made me realise I could have a role within any part of the company. I understood what it would be like to take a place on teach first training and what the steps are within this training.

The experience included sessions with different people from different parts of the company. This showed how the company values and encourages all aspects of its business. The staff were all inclusive and encouraging to each other which embodies their values within their workspace. We learnt specific teach first missions at the very beginning of the experience.

The content was extremely valuable as it was a direct taster into the teach first company and what it is like to be a teacher. During the experience we planned and taught a mini lesson on a subject of our choice. I found this experience extremely valuable as it is important to practice and experience doing this in order to become a teacher.

I did not need to be paid or reimbursed for this experience because it was online over zoom- due to coronavirus. Before the taster experience went online we were offered to have expenses paid for including train tickets and hotel stays. This was good as it made the experience inclusive for those who have to travel.

I found out about different activities I can participate in with teach first. Firstly different webinars were advertised to us and will be sent to us in emails as they come up, which enables us to continue participating. Secondly different spokespeople for activities had a session to speak and explained how to apply for these experiences: such as tutoring over summer.

I would most definitely recommend this experience to anyone interested in a teaching career. I also would suggest it as a valuable experience for those who want to explore different career ideas. As a shy person I found my confidence grew so much over the two day taster and would recommend this experience to anyone, even if they have doubts because of how inclusive it was.