Training Programme Taster Review

The event spanned over two days. We were introduced to teach first and its core values, received talks from keynotes speakers about topics including education, women in leadership and overcoming challenges in the role. We learnt about lesson planning and basic teaching tools before we were allowed to plan and deliver a short teaching episode which we delivered on the second day. We also received very useful feedback from this. The event closed with an information session on the training programme and a chat with teach first ambassadors

There was a focus on the teach first competencies, such as empathy, planning and organising, and resilience. For example, a speaker who focused on imposter syndrome helped us to develop our skills and understandings of resilience. Moreover, being a women in leadership programme, there was a specific focus on leadership throughout the event. We have developed preliminary skills in teaching through the teaching skills section and through delivering the teaching episodes. finally, we developed skills in networking as this is a core value to the programme.

Being a teach first event, there was obviously a strong focus on teaching and education. We heard from teachers in leadership roles, considered challenges faced in education today and started to develop teaching skills. However, there was also a focus on the doors that the training programme can open for us. Teach first offers summer internships with partner companies, which can lead to job opportunities. Further, we heard from ambassadors of the programme who no longer teach, and this was useful in highlighting the benefits of doing the programme because of all the various opportunities that can lead from it.

The general atmosphere at Teach First is supportive. There is a sense of excitement around the work that the organisation is doing and a clear and deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Everyone was extremely welcoming and accommodating towards us. Their enthusiasm for what they were sharing with us and teaching us was clear, and definitely generated a strong company culture. It is an environment that I would certainly want to work in.

I strongly enjoyed the insight. It confirmed that I want to complete the teach first training programme, but it also taught me so much more about what it would mean to be both a teacher and a teach first ambassador. Moreover, it was a great opportunity for networking and I met some amazing and like minded people. Despite partaking in some very new experiences during this event, I was put at ease and this allowed me to really enjoy my experience.

Yes

I would encourage people to research the organisation before applying, as its values are at the core of the charity and work their way into all aspects of its work. It is therefore important to understand these and to share these values. I would advise people to be genuine and honest with their application because this is an organisation that values diversity. mostly, I would encourage people to apply as this event was invaluable experience for me.