Are you training to be a teacher?

We're here to support you on your journey. As you enter the profession, we are here to guide you and provide advice and resources to help you become the best teacher you can be.

Tips for your training year

Your training year can be a challenge, but you are not alone. You will be supported every step of the way by your:

• Training provider, mentor and tutor.
• Teaching colleagues.
• Peers.
• The South Yorkshire Teaching Hub.

It is important to note that, there is no magic formula to ensure a successful training year but, hard work, commitment and motivation is a great start to help you along the way. The following websites provide some great helpful tips and advice for trainee teachers:

Top five tips for trainee teachers starting their teacher training.
15 pieces of teaching tips and advice for trainee teachers.

On those challenging days, don’t forget why you are here:

• You want to make a real difference to young people’s lives.
• You have a passion for teaching/the subject you are teaching.
• You want to inspire young people and guide them into the next steps of their education.
• You want to give your students the greatest outcomes providing them with the best chances in life.

Take every opportunity to watch and learn

In your training year, you will have the opportunity to see lots of different colleagues teach; so watch, take notes, ask questions, and learn. Look at the way people tackle situations, build relationships and consider the different strategies they use to teach their subject and support their students.

Remember, some methods and strategies, may not work for you but be reflective and consider how you can develop your own pedagogy.

Develop your craft

Teaching is a craft and great teaching is an art form. Like any masterpiece, it is a lifelong journey of development, reflection, and practice. Experienced practitioners are still learning new methods, trying new activities, and constantly developing their craft, so enjoy the journey of development and ensure you:

• Know your subject and curriculum.
• Know your school and your students.
• Attend and engage with all CPD and development opportunities.
• Set high expectations of yourself and your students.
• Take chances with activities and learning opportunities.
• If things don’t work, don’t be disheartened, instead look for solutions.
• Accept help from others and when things are challenging, talk about it and seek help.
• Listen and respond to feedback.
• Own your mistakes and learn from them.
• Manage your workload effectively.
• Ensure you look after your own wellbeing.
• Get involved in all aspects of school life.

Network

A professional support network is essential. Building relationships with other teachers, leaders and practitioners will provide the opportunity to share experiences and best practice and to support each other throughout your teaching career.

Securing your first job

You’ve completed (or have nearly completed) your training year, you have a wealth of experience but knowing what prospective employers are looking for and knowing how to stand out from other candidates (including those with more experience) can be difficult, so how can you successfully secure your first job?

These websites provide some helpful advice in helping to secure your first teaching role:

• Teacher Toolkit - How to apply for your first teaching job
• Sheffield Teacher Training Alliance - Top three interview tips to help nail your teaching job interview

We are well-connected with both individual teachers and schools and our local network means that we can help you identify job opportunities and put you in touch with potential employers. Take a look at our vacancies page to see what vacancies are currently available.