Tiegan started her first teaching job this September after completing a B’Ed at University of Derby. I had the privilege of being her 2nd year mentor and am very proud of her burgeoning career.
She has agreed to share her experience of her first year.
Read on to see how term 1 is going…
What fears did you have on that first day?
I was nervous about whether I would be able to establish myself as ‘the teacher’ in the room straight away. As an ECT I have had training and placements but nothing quite prepares you for having your own class, in your classroom, where all decisions rest with you. I worried about whether I’d remember all the little routines and expectations and staff names, whether I would be able to balance being approachable with setting high expectations. I was also a bit worried about whether the children would respond positively to me and whether I would be able to keep up with the pace of the day as I had not done a full day since placements in March!
How was the first day? What were the highlights? Was there anything that threw you?
The first day was a whirlwind!! One highlight was realising how quickly children adapt to you- even though they had only just met me, they started to respond to routines and expectations quickly (of course it was not perfect and they still need reminders but that is normal and very ok!!). A real confidence boost came when I saw little smiles or children trying to impress me with their work or something they were proud of themselves for. What threw me was just how many things need to happen in the background – from remembering medical needs and keeping an eye on playground duty timings to making sure transitions between activities were smooth or predicting dysregulation. It is literally like spinning plates but it feels so rewarding by the end of the day- my tip is to always find the positives as I know how easy it can be to focus on what could have been better (notice how I didn’t say what went wrong, keep it positive… how is it going to be better next time!)
How quickly have you settled in? Have you been made to feel welcome? If not, why not?
I have settled in more quickly than I thought I would, thanks to how welcoming the staff have been. Having colleagues who check in, offer advice or even just make sure you have a tea or coffee goes such a long way. The children too, helped me settle, they bring so much enthusiasm into the classroom that it is hard not to feel at home. That said, it does take time to fully find the routine with a work-life balance so being ‘settled’ is still a work in progress!
Has there been any scepticism or doubt from more experienced teachers/ parents? Do you feel like you need to prove yourself?
I have felt at times like I need to prove myself to literally everyone. However, the parents of children in my class have been so pleased with how their child is progressing, enjoying school and how situations are being handled so this is a real positive. I also find that most teachers, including the head, are pleased with my approaches and what I bring to the table…
What tips would you give to anyone starting in their ECT year?
Do not be afraid to ask questions- no one expects you to know everything and leaning others experience is a strength, not a weakness.
Prioritise relationships- with your class, colleague and parents. Strong relationships make everything else easier.
Be kind to yourself- you wont get everything perfect first time and that is ok! Celebrate the small wins.
Get organised early- find a system for planning, marking and resources that works for you! I love my ‘days of the week tiered organiser’ but this won’t suit everyone!
Enjoy the moments- the funny comments, the lightbulb moments, the progress you see in your learners (and yourself!). They remind you why you are here!
What things are you looking forward to in this coming year? What are you nervous about in the coming year?
I am genuinely looking forward to seeing the children grow academically and personally throughout the year- especially knowing that I have played a part in their journey. I am also excited about developing my own teaching style and confidence as I get to grips with new routines. What makes me nervous is managing the workload across the year, particularly with a Christmas play, assessments and maintaining behaviour management (without burning out!) I am reassured by having a strong support network around me and I am determined to focus on the joy of teaching, not just the challenges!
Tell me about work life balance – is it possible?
YES, YES AND YES!! I have found that having a cut off point in the evenings really helps. To make sure you are ready for the next day but then stop… you deserve your time too! Help each other out, share resources!
It definitely is possible, I was determined to keep playing hockey 3 times a week and I have managed that as I compromise by working until 7pm on a Wednesday to release myself at 4.15 every other day!
Finally, what are the best bits of the job so far?
Seeing the children become more confidence and comfortable. The joy in their faces when they know they have succeeded, making sure they are proud of themselves because they tried their best and not just because I have told them that. I like to feel proud (intrinsic motivation matters!).
Keep an eye out for a further installment in Term 2. And to all the ECTs out there… keep smiling!
Blog written by Jo Gotheridge and Tiegan (ECT) 29 .9.25
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