Online Taster Experience Review

I loved my virtual experience with Teach First. It really affirmed any questions I had about the experience and I found out that I'm able to apply early which I had no idea of before - that's just one example of something that I wouldn't have realized without the Taster experience. I was rejected when I applied the year before so I'm so happy that I was successful this time around because it was invaluable.

I felt like we were very appreciated and valued. We were constantly reminded of our abilities and their hopes that we will apply for the Training Programme which is a great boost in confidence for many of us. We were encouraged to enjoy our time and gain plenty of skills in a positive environment and I felt like they really cared about helping us get those extra necessary skills in order to have a great teaching career.

We received lots of support and guidance. We received a pdf with activities to help with preparation, a handbook, a timetable and the slides prior to the taster days. This meant I was fully resourced and prepared for what we were covering. The insight team were very reassuring and helpful throughout and happy to answer any questions. They were very helpful with every activity that was set and I always felt confident and not afraid to make mistakes.

We developed our skills in the Teach First competencies which aim to develop skills including and related to organization, planning, empathy, leadership, teamwork, self-evaluation, resilience, presenting, debating, etc. All of these are directly applicable to my future teaching career (which I hope will be with Teach First) but they will also be greatly beneficial for my degree studies. For example, I feel much more confident in my ability to complete a group presentation or how to speak up in a seminar.

The experience was brilliantly structured. We received a timetable beforehand which meant that we knew what to expect and had a constant reference and guide to help us through the programme. This timetable also informed us of what competencies/skills each session related to so it helped us to understand the purpose of each activity that we were taking part in and therefore allowed us to put in our full energy into making sure we succeed.

The atmosphere was very positive. It was well-structured which meant we always knew what to expect and felt like we were very well resourced. We met various people from different fields of experience and they all encouraged us with their anecdotes and advice. The insight team were very friendly and even arranged a Christmas Quiz for us to take part in to network with our peers and also to have a fun evening after a long day.

The virtual experience had various activities but the most helpful ones were those where we had guest speakers, including ambassadors from the Teach First program who have completed it before. Some of these ambassadors were teachers while others were working in other areas and therefore we got a huge insight into where the training program could lead us. We also practiced teaching which is what the program is all about, and therefore I feel like I understand what the role would be like completely.

The taster online experience has confirmed to me that I definitely want to be a teacher and that I definitely want to apply for the Teach First training program. Not only has the content given me a huge insight into the specific Teach First culture and environment which has encouraged me to apply, but we were also given an opportunity to teach a mini lesson and I got great feedback which has made me confident in my ability to be a teacher.

It was a two-day experience that took place online so there were no expenses or any expectation to be paid.

Yes. There was a panel of ambassadors at one point which meant we were able to discuss the program with people who have already done it previously. We also had various icebreakers with other members taking part in the taster experience including a challenge to come up with 10 things we have in common and a Christmas quiz in which we were placed with people at our University or in a close location for networking purposes.

Yes. We found out that Teach First has an opportunity for teachers with their program to take part in summer projects - not just during the training but for the duration of their career. These summer projects help to gain wider experience, particularly in corporate environments and are an excellent way to pursue other interests outside of teaching and still being able to maintain both. I was unaware of how varied these projects were until this taster experience.

Yes. I would recommend this virtual experience to a friend because it has not only prepared me with the competencies that are looked for in interviews but it has also given me a broad amount of knowledge that has helped me to confirm my future goals and ambitions. I don't think I could have made a fully informed decision without this opportunity and therefore I think anyone considering teaching should definitely apply for the taster experience.