The next step
Where can Teacher Training Take You?
Did you know? 98% of previous CLN trainees have secured a teaching post upon qualification. Where have their careers taken them next?
Meet Tom and Katie, two of our former trainees who have moved into leadership roles within just a few years of qualifying.
Tom – Senior Leadership Team, Phonics Lead, Year 2 Teacher
How long ago did you train with us? Can you remember any low points or high points during your training?
I trained from 2019-2020, which was a fairly turbulent time to complete your training, however it allowed me to fine tune my practise as I taught in several small emergency worker bubble groups during the more restricted times of Covid. Before this though I had completed two placements, one in Year 2 and one in Reception. These were fairly contrasting school environments which opened my eyes to more than one way of doing things. A real highlight for me was learning off experienced practitioners in the classroom and receiving first class training days in varying school environments.
Tell us about your teaching journey since you qualified and took up your first post? Where have you been teaching?
I secured a job at one of my two placements schools and have never looked back. I have completed 3 years in Reception, whilst securing a position on SLT and I have now embarked on a new adventure in Year 2 which is so exciting. I oversee the running of Phonics and have taken an active role on behaviour expectations in school. My school have invested heavily in upskilling me, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I receive.
What are you doing currently in school? What are the highlights of this role?
Overseeing phonics is a real passion of mine in school, but for me being in class, improving each and every learner not only as a pupil but a person is really what motivates me every day. However, being in leadership allows me to impact more learners outside my classroom of 30, and I think this is what is unique with being in leadership.
How did your training prepare you for the position you find yourselves in today?
The pressures you experience whilst on the training are realistic to pressures experienced once you are qualified. A firm work ethic is instilled early on in the training and I truly believe a solution focused mindset to anything we tackle sees trainees in good stead once they are qualified.
What is the best piece of advice you would give someone who aspires to progress into a leadership role early in their career?
Observe people who you believe to be experts, never shy away from a challenge and finally ensure to remember why you became a teacher in the first place.
Katie – KS1 Lead, Geography and History Lead, KS1 Trust Moderator
How long ago did you train with us? Can you remember any low points or high points during your training?
I trained from 2019-2020, an obvious low point was the impact that COVID had on my overall training but that was outweighed by the fact I got to lead a bubble and start teaching a lot earlier in the school where I’d been employed. Making friends was also a definite high point as were my placements.
Tell us about your teaching journey since you qualified and took up your first post? Where have you been teaching?
I’ve taught in Year 2 at Old Town Infant School and Nursery ever since my training. During my NQT year I was the schools Stormbreak advocate, for 2 years after that I added Geography and History lead to my belt and now, in my fourth year I am KS1 Lead. I have also been asked to support in other schools within the trust through the KS1 moderation processes.
How did your training prepare you for the position you find yourselves in today?
Being in school from day 1 and actually prior to that for transfer days and meetings definitely prepared me. Because you are in school from the very start of the year it means you have more time teaching and planning and see the ins and outs of the running of a school from the start of the academic year.
What is the best piece of advice you would give someone who aspires to progress into a leadership role early in their career?
Be confident in your abilities, ask for support when needed and be willing to learn.