What do we not know about (NQTs) newly qualified teachers working in schools?
During the summer, there will be 1,000s of newly qualified teachers embarking on their career in schools. I write to offer well-known facts about teachers starting their careers and hope that NQTs reach out to colleagues on Twitter, if they lack the support they may need in their own department/school.
Below are 10 things NQTs have to endure throughout their first year of teaching.
- Some but not all, will successfully gain their (QTS) Qualified Teacher Status, yet fail their induction period.
- Some but not all, will come from traditional BEd, PGCE and School Direct routes, others from Teach First and SCITT.
- Some but not all, will be told to plan lessons in detail, considering lesson activity by time, not by learning.
- Some but not all, will struggle with behaviour management.
- Some but not all, will be given their own classroom space to develop their repertoire.
- Some but not all, will smile before Christmas!
- Some but not all, will develop positive relationships with their colleagues.
- Some but not all, will manage their workload and well-being rather well …
- Some but not all, will be teaching beyond 5 years.
- Some but not all, will go on to become great teachers and school leaders.
Image: Shutterstock
Whilst we should recognise that teaching is really difficult, we should recognise that newly qualified teacher have an even tougher time and all need our support.
If you are an NQT and need support, contact me in confidence. I only wish I could have blogged and used Twitter when I was an NQT …
TT.
About to embark on my NQT year 12 months after qualifying… Nervous is an understatement!
You’ll be fine. Email me if you need anything.
Thank you in advance for your support @teachertoolkit. Am about to start my NQT year after working in school from June. Was great to get to be on my own, but suddenly mentors and observations lot once more. Looking forward to your updates.
Contact me anytime Shelley
Wonderful article, its important to know what is coming your way when wanting to achieve a profession. I have been in university for over 2 years now and within a year I’ll be going on to a graduate scheme to become a [link removed] NQT supply teaching. I cannot wait.