Teach First Insight Review

The insight was a very productive two-day experience and I felt that I learnt a lot about teaching careers, teach first and the qualities that they look for. We were able to do a variety of activities with a variety of staff members. There was also a social in the evening which was a good way to get to know other members of the group.

The staff members were very engaging and respectful at all times. They also spent time talking to us about our applications which confirms that they value their staff. The social at the end of the first day allowed us to get to know the other members of the group more. It was a welcoming experience and I am sure it is a reflection of the environment at the company.

Every question we had was answered. There were also a variety of recruiters and qualified teachers to talk to about life as a teacher and the application stage. Every activity was well explained with virtual resources online to aid the activities. Group work was also engaging as you could still ask staff questions and they would assist.

Very much so, the skills I learnt will help me with my Teach First application and also enable me to find alternative tutoring positions prior to this. They will also transfer into other roles I hold at University and outside. The insight also was able to confirm that teaching is a career I would like to go in and that teachfirst especially offer an excellent route into it.

Very well structured insight. The timetable was issued beforehand with access to all online resources. Breaks were frequent with a longer lunch break. We were kept informed of any changes to the schedule. The insight also started and finished on time both days. The sessions were also varied and not repetitive.

Very good, it was over zoom so the atmosphere can be hard to maintain over virtual experiences. However, the team did a great job of giving us breaks and varying the context of sessions as well as the facilitator and group sizes to keep us interested and engaged. The social in the evening was a good way at giving us a break from the educational aspect but still allowing us to get to know the other people in the group.

It was clear that the recruiters were invested in us applying and seeing our applications be successful. This is because they answered all questions we had and provided us with extra opportunities that would enhance our application by developing our transferable skills. They were also very clear about application deadlines etc.

As it is a teaching in a different location they invited current teach first trainees to tell us about how they are teaching during lockdown, as well as what it was like to first start. we also spoke to graduates who no longer work for teach first but utilised the training programme to develop their skills and get other graduate jobs.

Very helpful. Gained a full understanding of the competencies and qualities they look for. Additionally, by speaking to previous employees and ambassadors we could gain an understanding of why teach first is such a good graduate employer. There was also an emphasis on the support that teach first provide you with throughout the training programme,.

The insight has confirmed my previous thoughts on teaching as a career, but more importantly made my understand why Teach First operate as they do and that I would be more than happy to undertake a graduate role with them. The application help also gave me an understanding of how to make a good application.

Virtual experience so NA

Yes, we spoke to recruiters initially but there were opportunities to speak to more senior members of staff about the company as well as current trainees and graduates of the programme. We also had an opportunities fayre that provided us with the opportunity to speak to people from partner organisations that could help us gain more tutoring experience.

Yes, we used breakout rooms for most activities. Each time these were with different people and there was plenty of time to get to know group members before doing the activity. there was also a social quiz at the end of the first day which provided us with the opportunity to get to know more people in a more casual setting.

It is teaching in independent schools so it is not the same as a corporate firm. However, we were told about the support that teach first provide you with throughout your training experience and beyond. Also, the opportunities available with other corporate firms to trainees. Also, social media to keep in contact with other trainees on the programme.

Yes, it was a very good use of my time that has enhanced my understanding of teaching the teachfirst. It is definitely a good insight into this as you get the opportunity to teach a mini lesson and see if you enjoy it and how you can improve in your teaching.