Now that you’ve gained QTS...First of all, congratulations on successfully completing your teacher training and gaining Qualified Teaching Status (QTS). There is no doubt that you will have worked long and hard to have achieved this.
During the course you will have demonstrated that you have the required qualities, skills and knowledge to be a professional, caring and committed teacher.
It will also be an occasion for double celebrations if you have been successful in applying for, and gaining your first teaching post. Your first school will be important in the support it will provide as you progress through your induction year.
Teaching is like no other job. It is as inspiring, challenging and as unique as each child you teach, and it’s a career where you genuinely are making a difference.
No two children are the same. No two days are the same. It is the teacher who opens the doors to learning and turns children on to lifelong interests.
Teaching is a career that offers the variety, |
Contents
Now that you’ve gained QTS...
How to get your first teaching job
Teaching is like no other
A choice of schools
Case study: Kelly Hjersing On the Fast Track
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challenge and reward that you would expect from a graduate entry job.
If you are starting your first job in September, there will be a number of things to consider during the intervening time in order to help you prepare - both professionally and personally.
Over the next few weeks, make sure that you make time to rest, relax, socialise, go on holiday, etc. It is important to re-establish your needs as a whole person who ‘happens’ to be a newly qualified teacher.
At the same time, the period between now and the beginning of September can be an exciting yet nerve-racking time.
In order to feel more in control, there are certain actions you could take so as to feel confident that you are prepared for the new term.
For example:
- Are you able to visit your school in order to counter the sense of ‘newness’ you might have in September?
- Have you been introduced to your induction tutor?
- Will you have the opportunity on your visit to meet other staff – Head of Department, Deputy Head, colleagues you will be working alongside, etc?
- Will you be able to meet with your induction tutor between now and the end of term?
- Are there plans for your team/department to meet?
- Are there any documents you need from the school for reference when you begin preparing for the new academic year? E.g. previous Schemes of Work, lesson plans, records, etc. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel, and remember that any in-depth planning will only be possible when you meet your pupils and discover their individual needs.
- What are the arrangements for the first day of the new term? For example, many schools begin with an INSET day for staff.
- If necessary, will you have access to the school during the holiday in order to prepare your room, collect resources, etc? If so, when?
- Will you be meeting with your induction tutor during the holidays?
- Whether in primary or secondary school, when will you be given a list of the pupils in your class/groups?
This list is deliberately brief because you need to establish boundaries so as to ensure a healthy work/life balance in your new career. In fact you will be surprised how many items you will be able to tick off during one visit.
Above all, it is important to set realistic time boundaries on any visits to your school because this will enable you to acknowledge the professional responsibility you have for looking after your wellbeing, while still being able to communicate your high expectations of your pupils when you begin teaching.
In concluding and at the risk of repeating what was said earlier, congratulations on gaining QTS and securing your first post.
Although there will be certain things you will want to do in preparing, as indicated in the list above, there is also need for you to enjoy the next few weeks. Rest, relax, socialise, have a holiday (funds permitting of course).
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