Connor Lamb - Primary trainee

What were you doing before SCITT? 

All of my previous experiences have been centered around education in one way or another - most recently I was an academic tutor delivering small group interventions to Y5 and Y6 students in English and Maths. I also tutored KS4 students in secondary schools and was a GCSE and A-Level exam invigilator. I also had past experience in nurseries as part of my sixth form qualification in Childcare and Early Years Education, so I have worked with children across all phases and developmental milestones. 

What inspired you to become a teacher?  

I have always enjoyed working with children and equipping them with the skills that they need to thrive in 21st century Britain. When I think of the children in my family as well as all the children that I have worked with in the past, I see so much potential both in those individual children as well as potential for a better future. My parents always valued schooling and education as the key to a better future, and I now view schools as a key part of the community for helping children both academically and personally. I credit my teachers across both primary and secondary for being key figures in my personal and academic development, and I want to pass that along to the next generation. I believe that the key to creating a great society is through developing the children and young people in our society, and I want to be one of the professionals on the forefront of this. 

Why did you choose North East SCITT? 

While a close friend strongly recommended that I considered applying for North East SCITT, and word of mouth across the organisations that I worked and volunteered for previously was overwhelmingly positive, it was the way that I was treated throughout the application process that ultimately sealed the deal for me. From submitting my application through to the interview, it became clear that the staff on the course are genuinely passionate about developing future teachers, and that there was a heavy focus on well-being, which is so important when working in a demanding vocation such as teaching. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of teaching?  

I would encourage those who are thinking about teaching to volunteer within schools ideally both primary and secondary to make sure that this is the career for them, as both phases have very major differences between them, even though the core job role has the same element. Having worked with children in nursery, primary and secondary previously allowed me to understand the unique nuances and challenges that come with each phase, which made my decision a lot easier when it came to the application process. Even after deciding what phase you want to teach, the majority of the core training is with both phases, meaning that having background experience across both phases will help you fully engage with the training.

Otherwise, I would encourage anybody who is interested in a flexible career that requires them to think on their feet and that lets them positively contribute to the future of our society to train to teach in a heartbeat. Whatever inhibitions or fears that you may have prior to starting training will disappear once you have taught a few lessons and better know your strengths and how you can use them to enhance your professional practice. Teaching is hard and stressful at times, but it is also so much fun, allows you to keep on learning and developing academically, and the children will give you a new perspective on life. 

 

What has been your favourite part of training? 

I find it impossible to pick just one, but what immediately comes to mind is that being in front of the classroom actually teaching the pupils makes all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes worth it. Every child has their own unique personality, and having several dozen of them in the same room means that no two lessons are ever the same. Being able to find my own teacher persona and using that to engage the students in the room energises me and boosts my mood no matter what may go in my life outside of school. Being able to talk to fellow trainees from both phases during core training has also been really enjoyable both professionally and personally, and we have shared many laughs together.

My life has changed in so many ways (for the better) both personally and professionally since starting teacher training, and once I found my feet and figured out what my strengths are in the classroom, there has not been a day that has gone by where there has not been something to smile at. Teaching has shown me a new side of myself and it is nearly impossible to pick just a single thing. 

How does teaching differ from your previous career? 

In my past experience working with primary school pupils, I had limited autonomy over the content that I delivered and how it was structured. However, as a trainee teacher I have been able to take a lot more creative control over what I teach and how I do it, even when following a pre-designed scheme of work. While this means that my workload is a lot more intense than it was in the past, it has also allowed for more freedom which is something that I find really rewarding. 

Do you have any tips or advice for potential trainees? 

Ensure that you have some strategies in place to help with organisation and time management, as the workload that comes with being a trainee is not insignificant. In addition to having the same tasks as a qualified teacher (lesson planning, marking, participation in CPD and extracurricular clubs etc.), you fill in detailed lesson plan proformas for certain lessons and complete PGCE assignments. The work itself is really fun and your workload is minimal at the start and gradually increases over the year, so the workload will not be beyond your capabilities, but having strategies in place now will help you thrive. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the people around you for help. There are many people who can assist you when you need it, such as mentors, fellow trainees, tutors, and other teachers at your schools. I’ve been fortunate to have supportive and diverse fellow trainees who have enriched my teaching experience. Similarly, take all the observation feedback from your mentor and tutor seriously and implement it. Their feedback is intended to help you become a better teacher, not to catch you out. The feedback will be balanced, focusing on both your strengths and areas for improvement. 

Finally, always make a mental note of when a student has had a lightbulb moment, has made you laugh or when a lesson has gone particularly well. You might have a lesson, day or a week where things feel like they have not gone well - however there will have been moments with the kids that remind you of why you decided to teach in the first place. Hold onto them as it will always give you something to smile about. 

What are you most looking forward to after completing the course? 

I am so excited to start applying for teaching jobs and eventually having my own class after I qualify. While you are a teacher from the moment you step into the classroom on this course, my placement experiences have only fuelled my excitement for teaching a full timetable and have a class under my own name, although the professional support and relationship that I have developed through co-teaching with my mentor has been so valuable and something that I have absolutely enjoyed, and is something that you should take full advantage of while you have it.