Changing young lives on the Teach First Training Programme

Houstone School is a new state-of-the-art secondary school near Luton. Since opening in 2002, its population has grown to just under 700 students. We’re in an area of high deprivation, teaching pupils from some of the poorest communities. However, that’s what makes me feel very fortunate to be placed here.

I feel a great sense of community at Houstone, the staff are incredible, and the students have so much potential.

My goal as a computer science teacher is to ensure the students achieve their full potential and find the best opportunities for their future.

Sharing my subject knowledge with a classroom full of students and having the satisfaction of being recognised when walking around the school by passing students has been so rewarding. I am slowly starting to feel like a part of the school community.

Why I chose Teach First

A career in teaching had always been in the back of my mind. I knew I wanted to make a difference for young people and empower students towards their educational goals.

I came across Teach First through my careers adviser just before I started my final year of university. I attended an online seminar and was so inspired by one of the Teach First ambassadors and their passion and drive to help students that I decided the Teach First Training Programme was for me.

Getting to teach in the classroom from day one, learning on the job, receiving valuable mentoring support, and gaining a fully-funded PGCE qualification - it sounded amazing.

I was supported throughout the application process by my recruiter Tom, who was extremely helpful. I was incredibly happy when I found out I had been successful.

My journey as a trainee teacher

From start to finish, my experience at Summer Institute (the initial five-day training period before a trainee starts their school placement) was amazing. I learned a lot over the six weeks of training, which really prepared me. But I also gained a lot of support from my development leads and fellow trainees, we still have a group chat where we keep in touch – sharing tips and advice, or even general life updates.

The highlight of Summer Institute was undertaking the School-Centered Learning at Bedford Academy, where I taught a class of 30 students for the first time. It really helped me to prepare for that first official lesson.

Some important lessons

Something which has surprised me since starting the Training Programme has been the balancing act of learning all the different school policies and how they need adapting for students with additional needs.

Learning about special educational needs and disabilities has helped me shape my practice. This insight has really helped me to adapt my teaching to get the best out of each of my students.

The behaviour management part of my role is also a challenge. However, using the techniques I learnt from my Teach First development leads and with the ongoing support of my colleagues and school mentor, I am becoming more confident with each lesson.

All my development leads, both past and present, have been fantastic and I always reach out to them when needed, whether it’s questions about my subject knowledge or difficulties with managing classroom behaviour. They dedicate their time with you to ensure you are supported and will answer any questions you have.

To anyone about to start with Teach First

Be excited, positive, and enjoy the ride. It will feel overwhelming in the first two weeks or so, but you will quickly get used to it.

Remember to take a break, always look after your wellbeing, and make use of the support and guidance from Teach First and your work colleagues.

I am really enjoying my experience on the Training Programme and learning more and more with each lesson. I’m excited for what the future might hold. 

Could you join thousands of others like Eijaz and train to teach in the areas that need you the most? 

Join our two-year fully funded Training Programme and discover a rewarding career helping every child fulfil their potential.

Or, sign up for one of our Taster Programmes to experience what training to teach with us is like.