Insight Participant Review

Excellent insight into the Teach First mission, and had the chance to experience what it is like to work in a Teach First school.

During the second week of our placement, the welcoming school staff made us feel wanted, and gave us responsible roles (i.e teaching a whole lesson) making us feel valued in our roles.

The insight participants are always supported throughout the programme, even when we were on placement for the second week. A representative came to visit us at school to deal with any queries, and to check on how we were doing.

Throughout my placement, I was encouraged to plan and organise a lot of information in relation to leading a lesson. I feel this competency was developed, and will aid me in my degree studies.

Every day throughout the first week was planned hour by hour in order to ensure we got the most out of our time. The second week is down to the local school staff, but they were very enthusiastic with us.

The Teach First staff were very welcoming, and made our placement a very pleasant place to be working. The first week of workshops were made to be hands on and fun, making a great atmosphere.

Every workshop in the first week was based on personal development.

I personally do not feel like I know exactly what it feels like to be working for the company full time, only because it was an insight into the company. We only had to teach one lesson, whereas in the full time role we would be teaching many lessons per day. I am fully satisfied with the insight programme as I got a lot out of it, and it fulfilled its description.

Within the first week we had workshops conducted by many teach first representatives, from other companies too. All representatives explained their route through Teach First, and how they are still related to Teach First (if they had left teaching).

All workshops on future career paths were down to us choosing/describing what we want to do. They were helpful, however it was all about personal preferences.

We were paid an amount of money after we had finished, but this (I think) was to cover living expenses and travel expenses.

Every day within the first week we had opportunities to network.

They were useful, however there was so many opportunities that I felt like I missed some. This can only be good thing!

Through speaking to current Teach First teachers, we asked what the current situation with keeping in touch with other Teach First participants was, and they were happy with their opportunities.

If you are thinking about applying for Teach First LDP, the insight programme is a perfect stepping stone!