From Trainee to Teacher: Navigating the Challenges and Rewards of the PGCE Year
A Challenging but Rewarding Year
Niall began his training year fully aware that, whilst it would be rewarding, it would also be challenging. “It’s easily the most difficult year of my life,” he admits. The immersive nature of the programme means that, at times, the workload can feel demanding, and being in a school and in front of children daily means high expectations must be maintained. However, Niall feels that this experience has prepared him well for his teaching career. “I think it has given me a very good grounding for the teaching profession; I'm aware of what's expected of me and how important it is”, he reflects. By being based in school from day one, Niall gained invaluable, hands-on experience that he believes will make his first year as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) more manageable.
One of the highlights of Niall’s year was the sense of camaraderie and support he found through the National Institute of Teaching. Weekly training days offered a chance to reflect on the progress made in school and provided a space to connect with other trainees. “You do have that sense of camaraderie with the other trainees,” Niall shares. “If you’re having a challenging time with your classroom, it was good to have some time away to process and reflect. They were almost like therapy sessions with the other trainees,” he recalls. These regular check-ins were not only a chance to learn but also a reminder that he was not alone in the learning journey.
A Typical Day in the Life of a Trainee Teacher
For prospective trainees, understanding what a typical day looks like can be crucial in preparing for the year ahead. A typical day for Niall meant arriving at school for 7:45am, as his school had children arriving from 8.15am. The mornings were filled with lessons, often with Niall leading the class or supporting specialist lessons. Afternoons typically involved more teaching until school finished at 3.30pm, followed by marking and preparation for the next day, planning lessons or doing coursework assignments.
While the days could be long and sometimes demanding, Niall found joy in his interactions with students and the progress they made. “I really loved my placement and the school I went to, and I loved the class,” he says. The joy of working with young people, being part of their journey and helping them to flourish, affirmed his decision to become a teacher.
Support Systems That Make a Difference
A strong support system is crucial for trainee teachers, and for Niall, the support from the National Institute of Teaching was invaluable. “They were wonderful,” he says, highlighting the personalised support he received from his tutors. When he struggled, his tutor provided weekly check-ins, offering the encouragement and guidance he needed to succeed. “It felt like I really needed that weekly check-in with my mentor, who was just kind of building me up,” Niall recalls.
He also emphasised the importance of a support network at home and protecting time for your friends, family or partner. “My partner really helped me to thrive this year. You have to try your best to carve out time for the people in your personal life who support you,” he reflects.
Take On More Sooner: Just Dive In
When asked what he wished he’d known at the start of his training, Niall emphasised how he wished he’d taken on more sooner. “In the first few weeks, you’re scared to get things wrong, but everyone will be more forgiving of you at the beginning, both your peers and the children too. Just take the initiative and do things sooner; the more you practice, the quicker you’ll learn,” he shares.
He suggests trying to teach more in the first term, recalling a cognitive load theory he learnt during his training year, “The more that you can get from your working memory into your long-term memory, the more things become automatic. The faster you can get them to be automatic, the more you can focus on your teaching style and managing behaviour. You’ve really got to just dive in,” Niall shares.
Looking Forward: Excitement for the Future
As Niall prepares to transition into his role as an ECT, he feels a mix of excitement and readiness. “I’m looking forward to being in control of my own class and incorporating more of my music background; I know the kids will love that, and it’ll form a good relationship from the beginning,” he shares. “The first day, the first week, are always nerve-wracking, but I know after a few weeks I’ll get into a routine of how things are done, and I’m just really looking forward to those little moments in the day where you have a few extra minutes where maybe after doing times tables we could do a singsong,” he says.
His training year has equipped him with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to thrive as a teacher. Despite knowing that the challenges will continue, Niall feels prepared to face them head-on, supported by the solid foundation he has built over the past year.
If you’re ready to inspire and educate the next generation, register your interest with us and start your journey toward a rewarding career in teaching.