On placement
It can take time to acclimatise to working in a school. If you’ve come straight from university or college, it could be your first taste of working life. For career changers, it might be necessary to adapt to a different working environment. If you’re from overseas, you may have to familiarise yourself with a completely new education system. Depending on the training route you have chosen, you need to go on placement for a minimum of 18 weeks in at least two schools.
Many teachers describe their job as a way of life, as opposed to an occupation. Even when they are not in the classroom, they are thinking about school. This can be difficult to get used to at first. It is really important to be organised and leave time for interests and hobbies. Achieving a good work-life balance will help minimise stress levels and will benefit your overall professional effectiveness as a teacher.
It’s also a good idea to work on developing your communication skills, as they will be central to your new role. The relationships you form with staff, students, parents and governors can make all the difference, especially in the early stages of your career.
Familiarise yourself with school policy and procedure for more effective teaching practice both in the classroom and in the area of pastoral care.
Find out about the following:
- Health and safety.
- Equal opportunities.
- Behaviour management.
- Bullying.
- Discipline.
- Drugs.
- Child protection.
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