So you’ve just started a teacher education programme? Take a moment to think about how you’re feeling. Nervous? Excited? Worried? Curious? There are many routes into teaching, so whether you’re straight out of school and starting an undergraduate degree or starting a after working for 20 years, then I’m sure you’re feeling a mixture of all of the aforementioned emotions.
You’re not alone. You might feel you’re going to be younger/older/less experienced/less knowledgeable than your fellow students, but you will find that this isn’t the case. Teaching attracts people from all walks of life (although many ethnicities are underrepresented) and you’ll find that everyone will be starting out with the same worries and concerns.
I remember starting out on my PGDE postgraduate chemistry programme a few (OK, many) years ago and it was the most nervous I’d ever been about starting a university course. I’d always done OK academically, so when I did my school exams, university exams and my PhD, I knew that if I studied hard enough then I’d be fine. Starting out on my PGDE, however, was the first time I was struck by the thought, “I don’t know if I’ll be able to do this”.
Support for student teachers
If you feel like this, that’s fine. Plenty will be feeling the same. You can also make sure that you are fully equipped to cope with any difficulties if and when they come your way - find out about the support available from your university. Sometimes, in doing a teacher education programme, especially a PGDE, you can feel a bit separate from the rest of the university (you start at a different time, have different breaks and so on).
However, all of the support systems are available to you, so make sure you are aware of them. Also, remember that this support is available while you are on school placements.
It’s important that you take time to get to know your fellow students as they will be a source of support and friendship for you throughout your studies, and some of them will become long-term friends. I’m still in touch with quite a few folk who I completed my PGDE with. Also, teaching in Scotland is a pretty small world so you’ll be continually bumping into your fellow students throughout your career.
Your university tutors are relatively normal people - talk to them. Ask questions, ask for help, ask for clarification. Have you just sat through a lecture and think you’ve misunderstood something? Talk to the lecturer or send an email for clarification.
Also, join a union - this is a must. There are a few unions representing teachers and you’ll probably meet them at induction events, and, as a student, you can join them all. Not only will you get a few freebies for joining, you’ll also get access to professional learning and guidance or support when required.
You may have seen stories in the media about difficulties in securing permanent contracts in teaching. You should do some digging and find out more about this - you’ll find that the situation varies geographically, from sector to sector and subject to subject. The Scottish Teachers for Permanence group is working hard to get a remedy for the situation.
Curriculum changes
You may also have read about changes to the curriculum in Scotland. The Curriculum Improvement Cycle is underway, led by Education Scotland. This should result in a curriculum where what pupils should know, do and understand at each stage of their journey through school is a lot clearer - so you’re joining the profession at an exciting time.
Finally, strap yourself in for a thrilling ride. There will be ups and downs, and possibly tears and snotters at times, but enjoy it, relish being out of your comfort zone - and get ready to make a difference.
Dr Colin McGill is an associate professor in teacher education at Edinburgh Napier University
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