“The pupils are working, but they still aren’t learning”: Revisiting foundational principles in the final phase of the ITT year

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com As beginning teachers enter the final phase of their ITT year and take on teaching 80% of a full timetable, we often see a return of the wobbles first experienced in February or March. This is a demanding point in the year; they are being asked to prioritise, … Continue reading “The pupils are working, but they still aren’t learning”: Revisiting foundational principles in the final phase of the ITT year →

Recalibrating Your Teacher Identity: When Your Past Success Doesn’t Fit Your Current Experience

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com I feel like a failure At some point every year I will have a conversation with a beginning teacher who confesses that they feel like a total failure. "I just don't think I'm up to the job," they say. “I just don’t seem to be able to do it”. … Continue reading Recalibrating Your Teacher Identity: When Your Past Success Doesn’t Fit Your Current Experience →

You Don’t Have to Be a Natural: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Teaching

Photo by Gratisography on Pexels.com “Great teachers are born, not made” is one of the great myths of teacher training. Unfortunately, it is also a myth which makes its way into the subconscious of prospective teachers. As we prepare to begin a new academic year in initial teacher education, I know there are soon-to-be beginning … Continue reading You Don’t Have to Be a Natural: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Teaching →