Student Taster Online Review

I really enjoyed my experience of the virtual taster run by Teach First. I was pretty nervous beforehand as I had never done an online experience before and was worried it would be quite formal, however the team created a very comfortable and productive environment. Both days were informative, interactive, and hugely enjoyable and I feel like I have learned a lot, as well as having met some really interesting people and heard some great talks.

I felt very valued throughout the entire online experience. We were able to spend a lot of time in smaller breakout groups after each larger session and this meant we got the chance to talk and discuss and feel like we were engaging with the material. I also felt that the time they took to create informal sessions, such as a quiz at the end of the first day, showed they were interested in making it the best possible experience for us.

The guidance and support received were of a very high standard. Before the two days we received clear pre reading and instructions to ensure we were prepared for the taster. During the two days we used an online editable handbook which meant it was easy to follow along and take notes. If anyone had a problem the team was very quick to get it resolved and they always stressed the importance of asking questions if we were unsure.

I believe the skills and information received over these two days will be fundamental to aiding me in my future career decisions. I feel much more informed on the Teach First training program and what it includes, especially the steps to take to apply. Without the taster I do not think I would have had such a wealth of information to help me make that decision. I also believe their approach to competencies for their trainees will be a valuable framework for my own development in the future.

The structure was well thought out and clear. There was a good mix of lecture style sessions and interactive debate and discussion sessions which meant we did not spend too long either listening or working. I also really liked the quiz and networking sessions which made the experience a bit more personal and was a nice way to wind down or get started each day. By the end I did feel pretty tired, but zoom fatigue gets to everyone!

I thought the atmosphere was really comfortable and welcoming. There were around 50 participants, however with the use of breakout rooms it felt like there were a lot of familiar faces and I had got to know quite a few people by the end. All of the facilitators and speakers were so upbeat and engaging and this made for interesting and fun sessions. I also liked having such a supportive group for my mini-lesson plan.

Teach First set out their competencies in a very clear and coherent way and allowed plenty of time after each task to reflect on how we had developed each one or the steps we need to take to improve. By the end of the two days I felt like they had provided me with the tools needed to work on my personal development with the aim of becoming the very best teacher I can be.

I think this was one of the main benefits of the taster. We were taken through all of the steps in the application cycle for Teach First, and then given an overview of how the training goes over the two years. It would have been nice to hear a bit more with regards to the practical sides of the job, such as teaching responsibilities and hours, but overall I feel like I have a much better understanding of the job.

I also believe Teach First gave us a very good insight into the company culture as well. As it was also a promotional event for the training, it was understandingly an overwhelmingly positive view of the company culture, however I did get the sense that all the speakers did have a genuine passion for the mission and work of the company. They talked about how difficult the training is and made no attempt to hide this, however they did stress the importance of the support they give, which was reassuring.

I think I have a lot to go away and think about after having completed this taster. Teach First definitely gave me all of the information and insight I needed to make an informed decision on whether or not they are the right company for me and I feel very passionate and motivated by their mission. I do not think they could have done any better in providing content to help me make this decision.

As this was an online taster I did not have an expenses to be reimbursed for and the course was free.

There were a lot of opportunities to hear from employees from all different levels of the company, from first year trainees through to their development leads, and this breadth of insight was hugely valuable. I especially liked working with the facilitator for my mini lesson episode as she was so inspiring and precise in her feedback and made me feel very encouraged and motivated. Emails were provided by the heads of the course so I know how to get in touch for the future.

The networking event at the start of the second day could have been a little more structured as everyone was tired and the conversation was stilted. Perhaps having some prompts or discussion points would have improved this. The quiz at the end of the first day was a really lovely social event as we worked in a team from our own universities and had a lot of fun. It was a great way to unwind at the end of the day!

There was a lot of information provided about the companies Teach First partner with to provide training and internship opportunities for their trainees, and I got a real sense that everyone was very passionate about improving their own personal development in and out of their career. Perhaps this could be something to add to the course in the future and provide information on the kinds of opportunities that trainees get involved with outside of the working day.

I would definitely recommend this experience to a friend if they were considering teaching as a potential career option. I think the information and insight provided were invaluable to me in helping me gain a better understanding of Teach First's approach and I had such an enjoyable two days. I would say to be aware that there are a lot of differing opinions on Teach First in the education and to seek these out as well as doing this taster, so that you have a rounded view on the company.