Teach First STEM Online Internship Review

Insight was extremely enjoyable- lasted 3 days over Zoom in which teaching skills were developed through sessions with both current teachers and Teach First staff. Staff were very friendly and kept us engaged throughout with practical exercises which saw us teach mini-lessons. Throughout this process our teaching was constantly evaluated and reviewed by others, allowing us to use the feedback provided to improve our lessons- this in of itself was incredibly satisfying. More light-hearted activities also featured in the programme- debating and quizzes made sure we all got to know each other. A fantastic experience all-round!

As previously mentioned the feedback loop between staff and students was extremely rewarding. We received precise feedback throughout which allowed us to perfect our teaching performances, showing that the assessors were really watching and engaging with our lessons. The fantastic IT support throughout also meant that no one was left behind or out of a Zoom call/ assessment. In addition to this, all emails were clear and prompt with the appropriate details and resources provided and, for more personal matters, replies were equally as great!

The Teach First Online STEM Internship made guidance and support its mission. Throughout the process, resources were made easy to access on the online portal and through emails. When used in conjunction with the expertise of Teach First staff, resources were used effectively to allow everyone to really get at what was trying to be taught. IT was equally as well supported with problems with my Teach First account being overcome within the space of 24 hours when completing the pre-work.

The gatekeeper skills sessions completed on the 1st day of the internship saw us learn how best to project and control one's voice to manage a classroom, using videos to see real-life teachers do so. The 2nd day saw us put this to practice through 8 minute mini-lessons, refining the strength of our voices throughout. The skills acquired, in this area alone, are undoubtably useful beyond my (history) degree. They have helped me become more confident and assertive when presenting and speaking publicly, something which can only help when it comes to interviews and employment down the line.

The insight was well-structured from the outset. Despite a few hiccups initially, Zoom details were provided promptly and timetables updated regularly according to the rigours of the 3 days. Timings were mostly kept to when possible, and movement into smaller groups for discussion and group work was seamless through the effective use of Zoom's "Breakout Rooms". Timetables were made available both on the online portal and through emails (so there was no excuse for lateness) and reminders sent through after every day (via email) so that everyone was reminded what was to come the following day.

The atmosphere during the insight could best be described as "informal formality". For obvious reasons there were expectations of us going in, requiring us to engage with the learning and applying it. However, the atmosphere never felt stuffy or awkward. This was mostly due to the fact that activities such as small-group discussions, debates, and quizzes helped us socialise whilst producing good-quality work. This in turn helped avoid the "stage-fright factor" that might arise from speaking in a Zoom call of 50+ people, with most work taking place in groups of no more than 5.

Obviously, COVID-19 has made student teaching inside schools incredibly difficult. Therefore, getting a real "boots-on-the-ground" feel for teaching with children was not really possible. However, the Teach First staff did their utmost to invite current teachers, school leaders and corporate partners to hold panels so that we could really get an understanding for just how many opportunities are offered through them. From a current deputy headteacher to a worker at PwC, Teach First picked a real breadth of expertise to which we could ask questions to so that, even if we were not teaching pupils, we could get a feel for what that might be like later on.

The friendliness of the staff and assessors throughout only points to one thing- that the culture at Teach First is undoubtably friendly. The approach to teaching and feedback was incredibly constructive and considerate throughout, enabling insight trainees to think, say and do without fear of recrimination- at no point did I think that the environment was hostile to my opinion. The very social nature of the work and lessons that we did also point towards Teach First having an atmosphere conducive to socialising.

As touched on previously, there was ample opportunity to network with others over Zoom. By separating insight trainees into small and randomised groups for each activity, we were able to meet so many different people from across a plethora of universities and courses. Not only this, but more informal events such as the STEM debate on the 3rd day and the quiz on the 1st day fostered a friendly competitive atmosphere in which we could easily engage with those in our teams. The previously mentioned panels with Teach First teachers/partners were also useful in allowing us to meet professionals we would not otherwise have had contact with.

Of course I would! It was a fantastic and incredibly rewarding 3 days that saw me completely rethink how I plan things for myself and how I speak. Not only this, but the process of self-evaluation throughout really allowed me to reflect on my own experience and skills and endeavour to improve on them through the use of constructive feedback. All of these professional benefits, combined with the ability to meet and discuss some really interesting stuff with some like-minded people, make it something I would do again.