Walking the walk, just not talking the talk: Developing teacher voice and classroom persona

Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.com Damien is a strong beginning teacher. He is diligent and organised and has developed effective approaches to planning. He can effectively ‘run a room’ and his classroom environment is calm. Transitions between tasks are smooth, he forms positive relationships with pupils, and behaviour management is usually effective. He fits well … Continue reading Walking the walk, just not talking the talk: Developing teacher voice and classroom persona →

Self-care habits to help beginning teachers move from surviving to thriving

As a beginning teacher you hear about the necessity of self care A LOT. It can, however, quickly become yet another thing on your ‘to do’ list and feel like a burden rather than an act to strengthen your well-being. Mindfulness, exercise classes and sports clubs, religious worship, time with friends, hobbies and time for … Continue reading Self-care habits to help beginning teachers move from surviving to thriving →

Leaving a mark

Photo by brenoanp on Pexels.com There is an oft repeated adage that, on their deathbed, no one ever wishes they spent more time at work. A few weeks ago a family member who was retiring commented they were sure that within the week they would be ‘yesterday’s news and today’s chip paper’. They said this … Continue reading Leaving a mark →

Pipped at the post: how to support beginning teachers struggling to get their first teaching job

Photo by Edmond Dantu00e8s on Pexels.com Every year I observe our beginning teachers applying for jobs, and every year it is hard to predict how the die will fall. Invariably a few fortunate souls will get the first job for which they apply. Equally, a few unfortunate beginning teachers will end up applying for quite … Continue reading Pipped at the post: how to support beginning teachers struggling to get their first teaching job →

Seeking a Second Opinion: Feeling undermined by your ITT mentee

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com The Mentor’s View Sonya is a new mentor. She has been shadowing a colleague in the role for the first time this academic year and has really enjoyed taking a more active role with the ITT student. She has appreciated how thinking like a mentor has sharpened her own … Continue reading Seeking a Second Opinion: Feeling undermined by your ITT mentee →