STEM Online Teaching Course Review

I really enjoyed it! Teach First really put an effort to make this experience very enjoyable and allowed us to learn a lot. They also tried to include a social aspect of the internship but having a quiz that attendees can take part in. The sessions were very interactive and the Teach First team knew how to use Zoom very well which allowed them to use all its features very well. This made a huge difference in the quality of delivery.

I felt very valued. We were asked for feedback often and we submitted reflections at the end of every day. We were also regularly given feedback on our performance and how to improve. Teach First is the only organisation I interacted with that gave me feedback after the assessment centre (they call it development centre) and gave me feedback after the main activity in my assessment day. This showed that they really cared and they made an effort to find a lot of experienced people who can give us this feedback.

A lot of guidance and support!! We were constantly put in breakout rooms with Teach First facilitators who observed us and gave us feedback. We could then alter our work and present it again taking the feedback into account and they would tell us the effect that our changes had on the overall performance. The coordinator was also available all day and replied to emails instantly so we could email her regarding a technology issue or a question - that was great!

I received a lot of information about teaching techniques and educational research. I did not know much about these fields but I can confidently say that I know a lot more now. We were given information by developmental leads in the organisation and individuals who have been in the industry for decades. This will not necessarily assist in my studies at university but will be extremely helpful in any career I choose as a lot of the skills are transferable.

It was very well structured. They sent us the timetable well in advance and stuck to it over 90% of the time. I really appreciated that. Most sessions started and ended on time. The only confusing part was the assessment day as the timetable for that was sent to us the morning of the assessment day. I would've appreciated if this was done earlier to avoid confusion and stress the day of the assessment. Otherwise I think structure was very good.

The Teach First team were very friendly and made the atmosphere relaxed. I think everyone felt comfortable to ask questions or make comments. We were asked to keep our cameras on at all times and sessions did not start if anyone had their camera off but this is something I dont think anyone had an issue with. Overall, attendees were professional and everyone was keen to learn and improve. Coordinators always helped when they could and did not penalize anyone who had a tech issue.

They invested a lot in us! We had 5/6 hour pre training online modules to complete before the virtual course. This included a lot of information including teaching techniques and research. It also included podcasts and videos from experts in the field. This was put together by Teach First and included sections for reflection and exercises that we needed to complete. When we started the virtual course, I realised that the online modules were so helpful as they set a foundation for the information we were told on the course.

The virtual course really helped me understand the company culture. We had an ambassador panel session where STEM teachers that did this course a few years ago spoke with us about their career journeys at Teach First. It really allowed me to understand the mission and vision of the organisation and the impact they are trying to make. I could also see how passionate the teachers were and how much they were trying to make a difference in education in the UK.

As it was virtual, I did not need to relocate so there were no reimbursements done. It was also not paid but I knew that from the start (even before it was made virtual because of COVID-19). However, in the original in-person course, Teach First said they would pay for my transport and accommodation in a hotel/hostel for the duration of the internship (which was meant to be 1 week). However, it was also not going to be paid.

Yes, other than the panel session they organised for the attendees, all questions that were not answered due to time constraints were answered in written form and emailed to all attendees. This was a great idea and I really liked that they took the time to do that. They also gave us the names of the panelists and said that we can get in touch with the recruitment team at Teach First if we would like to speak to any of the panelists on a one-to-one basis to know more about the organisation.

Yes. We had a networking quiz at the end of the first day which was made with the aim to get the attendees to socialise together. It was a fun event to attend but I think the pace was too fast to allow attendees to actually talk to get to know each other. Everyone just tried to get the answers before the breakout room closed and we were all moved to the main room. However, Teach First created a facebook group for everyone to socialise.

I would definitely recommend this! I cannot explain how much I benefitted in such a short period of time. It really shows how much work, planning and research goes into 1 short lesson and gave me an immense appreciation for the work that teachers do. I learned a lot of soft skills that I am sure I will be able to use regardless of what career path I choose. The organisation also valued me and my time so much and, as a university student, I really appreciated that!