Katie Mather - Primary Trainee 2019 - 2020
"As a result of such a secure support network, my skills and confidence as a teacher have steadily grown, providing me with motivation to face any new challenges that have come my way."
Katie Mather. Primary SCITT trainee here at The Sheffield SCITT chats to us about securing her first teaching job!
Which school have you secured a job?
Dobcroft Infant School, Year 2.
When did you start to apply for jobs?
The application for this job came out mid-February with applications closing at the beginning of March. This was the first job that I had applied for so it was still fairly early on in the year before many other schools had announced vacancies.
“Coming back to my home school placement in January! It really did feel like I was coming home, and felt so good to be able to settle in quickly once again in an environment that I was so comfortable in.”
How have you found your training year with the Sheffield SCITT?
Incredibly hard work but incredibly rewarding. As a result of such a secure support network, my skills and confidence as a teacher have steadily grown, providing me with motivation to face any new challenges that have come my way. I have formed some wonderful relationships with my mentors, course leaders and other students which has contributed greatly to my personal development.
What did you find most challenging?
Moving to my alternative placement for TP1. Even though we had only been at our home school placements for a few weeks, all of us I think had settled really well. It was then very unsettling and overwhelming moving to a new school, and into a key stage that I didn't feel as confident in. Having just got your head around one set of school rules, policies etc. you then suddenly had to get to grips with all of that but for a different school...and also start to teach! I found the first two weeks of TP1 tough, but after that initial shock to the system, I started to settle in to that new way of life and ultimately really enjoyed it. I learnt so much during my time at my alternative placement and was incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the support that I received!
Any tips for future trainees?
Be organised! If you can keep on top of all paperwork it will make your life so much easier...especially when it comes to evidence bundle time! One piece of advice I would also give is to speak up if you need help with ANYTHING. You can sometimes think that you are the only one feeling overwhelmed or struggling a little...in reality, everyone is exactly the same! So talk to other students...you will all know the best out of anyone how each other is feeling. Remember also to speak to your mentor...they want what's best for you and will do anything they can to help you feel confident and positive!
Did the training put you in good stead for applying for teaching positions and going to interviews?
Yes it did! I had completed a lot of teaching when it came to the point of my application, meaning that I had so much experience to draw on and use. The work that I had carried out for my evidence bundle was also very useful, as I could use some of the evidence from it during my interview discussions and confidently give examples of work that I had created/completed with pupils.
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