Kyriaki's journey: Autumn Institute to Teach First trainee
Kyriaki chose teaching to inspire the next generation, benefitting from Teach First's practical training, making her childhood dream a reality.
Why teaching?
I've always wanted to be a teacher since I was a kid. I had good relationships with my teachers. They’ve had a big impact on my life and I’m still in contact with most of them today. I really wanted to be that for the next generation.
Choosing Teach First
Teach First has way more advantages than going to a university route, and the main one is that you get to do the training as you're working.
You get to experience the teaching part while doing the university part, which is the best thing about Teach First training.
I get paid, I have a great job and I get my training. It's intense, but I prefer it to going down the university route.
Joining Autumn Institute
Autumn Institute was intense, but it was rewarding. The sessions were packed with practical advice, teaching strategies and opportunities to practise our skills. It improved all of us.
I met other trainees through the breakout rooms and I could see other people's point of views. It helped broaden my perspective. And the school-centred learning helped to break down all the online stuff, which was really good.
You have to be committed and organised to be able to do well in the Autumn Institute and start off teaching.
You get quite a different experience to the Summer Institute trainees. They've got more time to prepare their subject knowledge. But it helped me knowing that the Summer Institute trainees had already started work. So, when I was communicating with them, I already knew what they were facing.
They prepared me for what I was about to face, which was especially helpful because I'm from Cyprus and the education system is very different.
What I've learned
I would say to anyone considering a career in teaching to embrace the journey with an open mind and be resilient.
You need to be passionate about what you're about to do. If you're not, it's going to be hard.
You also need to be prepared for anything. As teachers, we need to be flexible and be able to adapt our teaching on the spot.
I think that one of the main things that you need to do when you start your teaching career is build strong relationships with your students and show them that you care about their well-being and their success. This will not only improve communication with them, but it will improve your classroom management. You'll have a calmer, more positive classroom environment.
And rely on your support systems. These were essential to my teaching career. Whether it's a mentor, a colleague or your Development Lead. Share your experiences. Seek out advice from anyone, even your friends and family, not just other trainees.
Finally, take care of yourself. Teaching is demanding. Maintaining a healthy work life balance is vital as you need to have energy to be effective in the classroom.
Considering a career in teaching?
Join hundreds of other trainees like Kyriaki on the Teach First Training Programme. Find out more about training to be a teacher on our website or speak to a recruiter.
Every journey is unique
Explore Lily's path to teaching as a Teach First, history trainee.
