Page 56: The transition from being a student teacher to an ECT

 Page 56: The transition from being a student teacher to an ECT.

A few weeks ago, my university where I completed my training, contacted me enquiring if I would complete a lecture for the third year primary education students, exploring the transition from being a student teacher to an ECT. I felt privileged and proud to be asked if I wanted to speak being so early in my career, following on from myself being sat in their seat last year. I am excited to share my journey and support the part of the next generation of teachers.

I have made the decision to spilt my lecture into three parts, briefly touching on what I believe are the three key areas before I open up to a question and answer session. These will be the areas that I will stem my discussion from. 

1. Getting your job, settling in and setting up your first classroom.

- Volunteering in your setting (as little as 1 day a fortnight) to support the settling into to your school and routine.

- Dedicating set time in your summer holidays for preparations (do not let this control your six weeks). In terms of this, it is quite physically impossible to get every single thing you might potentially needed ready for September 1st. Instead, focus upon laying the perfect foundations for making your classroom a postive, inspiring and encouraging classroom that fosters learning and personal development.

2. The must do's - those easily forgotten about and vital preparation jobs

- I will keep my insight into this brief. The pinnacle to mastering this area is your simple but most beneficial organisation. These can be put simply down to creating different format class lists, making needed folders and buying a sharpie! (All i'll say on that is your lost property box will become out of hand by the end of the second week!)

3. Adults 

(a) working with teaching assistants

Here are some key tips from my critical reflections that I will be sharing and building upon:

- Set your high and shared expectations

- Make all staff feel involved and included in decision making

- Sharing feedback

- The simple obvious; saying thank you

(b) establishing strong parent relationships

Here are some key tips from my critical reflections that I will be sharing and building upon:

- Be personable

- Do not be afraid to do something different

- Daily completment 

Following on from this overview, the next few pages will delve into the specifics of each area, following on from the delivering the lecture in the start of March, as well as addressing any common question and answer queries for you.

Whether you are a student teacher preparing for a chunk of placement, or like myself a student teacher transitioning to becoming an ECT, I hope my critical reflection of my transition, will help support yours. 

"In learning you will teach, in teaching you will learn" - Phil Collins

- Miss Yeoman