Joining the Teach First Coaching Programme

Teaching is a tough job. There’s a lot of responsibility and working with young people on a day-to-day basis is rewarding and demanding in equal measure. To help our teachers overcome any challenges they might be facing in the classroom, or to support with wellbeing, we offer them the option of getting a specially trained coach.

The training day was fantastic. It involved lots of learning, sharing best practice and networking with other coaches

The Coaching Programme is supported by our partnership with National Grid and we work with many of the businesses who support our work to find new coaches who are compassionate and caring individuals, just like Lee.

Lee Butterworth is a Commercial Controller at DHL, who joined the programme through our close partnership with the DHL UK Foundation. We recently caught up with Lee to find out more about what’s involved

Why did you want to become a Teach First Coach?

Outside of my job I'm a fitness coach for a number of people aged between four and 70, and I love doing it. So, I thought it would be great to use my present experience to help new teachers.

How did you find the training event?

The training day was fantastic. It involved lots of learning, sharing best practice and networking with other coaches, including people from Barclays and the public sector. The teachers take part in a different training session and the final part of the day brings everyone together. I was assigned to a teacher called Suraj Rai for one year.

Do you feel you have made a positive impact on Suraj's development?

Absolutely! One of the best feelings has been walking away from each session with a sense of accomplishment. I've worked hard to increase Suraj's self-confidence, prepared him to perform better in the classroom, and encouraged him to engage with the wider school community.

What's involved in the training and how long does it take?

The training involves coaching a new teacher to be the best they can be in the classroom, support their professional development, and to help them overcome challenges. We usually met for an hour or so once every two months in person, depending on the level of support required. However, I stayed in touch with Suraj over the phone as well.

Will you continue to be a Teach First Coach? 

Yes, definitely. Although I've only recently completed the programme with Suraj, I'm already looking forward to coaching the next teacher. Being on the programme has not only helped me further develop my own skills but I've also built a long-lasting relationship with Suraj. Teachers are a real asset to our society and I feel they are undervalued for the time and work they put into their careers. We really owe it to them.

How did you manage your time as a coach along with your day job?

For me, it was all about commitment. When I commit to doing something, it's easy to find the time to spend on it. Whether it was finding an extra hour in the week, or a few hours once a month, I made it work. 

What would you say to other colleagues who are thinking of becoming a Teach First Coach? 

Go for it! I've had a positive experience - I’m already looking forward to my next assignment and would recommend it to anyone. If you want to help young people realise their potential, regardless of their background as well as develop your professional knowledge and skills, then sign up! Even if you think you don't have the right skills to do it, don't worry. You'll get all the training you need and you'll be surprised at how much experience and knowledge you can share.