Teacher Review

I really enjoyed the virtual placement as it provided a variety of workshops with insights into the company and what it can do for new teachers. It also provided opportunities to socialize and network with other potential teachers which improved my confidence and allowed me to make connections with others. I enjoyed being able to teach a mini lesson which gave an insight into teaching and the feedback received from a qualified teacher was invaluable.

I felt valued throughout the whole experience at teach first. Even though the course was 2 days online, I felt like my own experience was of importance to the organizers as they made sure we had the right resources and were in the right groups and understood everything that was going on. In addition, they took every comment we said seriously and valued out opinions throughout the course, this was also made possible by the warm encouraging environment they created on zoom.

We received guidance and support throughout the entire experience as in the main group we were given instructions to do activities. In the handbook there were extra instructions here with guided questions on what to do for each task throughout the day. We also had extra people join the call throughout the course who gave more advice. Also, every advisor that was part of the course also asked if we had any questions throughout so we knew the support was there if needed.

I developed the main competencies that teach first valued. These include organisation and time management which will help me in uni to submit any work that I have to do on time, as well as balancing this we other aspects of my life. I also became more confident which will enable me to perform talks and presentations in front of larger groups of people which will help me at uni and in my future career. I also developed better communication skills by doing debates and speaking to a variety of different people over the course of two days.

The course was very well structured with an online time table given well in advance of the course starting and provided to us for use throughout the course. The handbook given also guided which task we were doing and when which was very helpful. The organizers were also ready when we had to break out into break out rooms so no time was ever wasted trying to organise this. The external people that came in were also present when they were needed.

There was also a positive atmosphere on the course. The organizers always encouraged us and everyone tried to make each other feel valued and comfortable. Also the addition of the Christmas quiz ensured we were having fun and got to meet new people. Everyone was engaged and wanted to learn and take part on this course which made it even easier to have fun as the atmosphere encouraged a positive vibe throughout, even when people were tired.

The course was focused on the individual. Therefore they gave us handbooks in which we could constantly reflect on our performance and feeling throughout the day. This ensured we focused on personal development and the organizers made sure we could ask them any questions if and when we wanted. They provided contacts we could contact if we had further questions, enabling our personal development even further. Although there were many of us on the zoom call, and it was online so it was difficult to personally invest in each person, but we were all presented with the same opportunities.

We had talks with the alumni of teach first and people who had done their training program which gave an i sight into how good the training program is and what opportunities we have available to us in the future. Also throughout it was emphasized how we can apply for a course all the way throughout and they had many question and answer sessions which enabled us to ask questions about what it would be like to enroll with the company.

The course helped me see the different people that work with the company and I think they were all a good reflection of the company culture. Each person seemed very hard working, polite, positive and passionate about teach first and their mission. This was very encouraging when considering a potential future with a particular company. Also, they explained the benefits you can get from the company and how each person is valued and supported throughout their time with the company.

The content was very valuable as it gave us an insight into teaching and the core values that teach first consider in a good teacher. Also the mini teaching episode we were able to do involved planning, performance and feedback which was similar to what would occur if we became a teacher, therefore it was a direct insight into this profession. We got to talk to other teachers also which helped me decide that I would like to consider teaching as I had never done it before and didn't know if it was something that would suit me but now I can see that it will.

We did not have to pay for this course, which was beneficial as it made it accessible to everyone. We were also not paid which I think is fair because every one had chosen to be on the course voluntarily. Also it was only a 2 day insight course so I do not think it would have been fair to pay or be paid to take part in this. This also shows how passionate the company are and are not motivated by money but pure love for the job.

We had plenty of opportunities to meet many people who had taken part with the company before. This was beneficial as we could contact them at any time for information if needed. Also, they provided people directly from their partner companies which gave an insight into extra opportunities available to us, for example tutoring. This was beneficial as it is hard to find this information out on your own. Each person provided a thorough insight to their roles in the company and what opportunities were available to us.

These were good but also sometimes a little bit awkward as they were over zoom and as young people it is sometimes hard to meet and talk to new people. Some of the events were just coffee and talking in the morning however it was sometimes hard to start a good conversation. However the quiz we had was fun and gave the opportunity to talk to new people and find out more about them in a different environment.

We only found out about a few activities we could get involved in although these were all related to teaching rather than social opportunities for example. This is something that could therefore be improved on.

I would definitely recommend this to a friend as it gave a good insight into teaching and had a good positive vibe throughout. It made you feel like a part of the team already and encouraged you to get involved in teaching.