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Welcome to the #UKEdChat@UKEdChat discussion
Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q1, Why did you want to become a teacher? Has being a teacher reached, or exceeded your expectations?
Pls use the hashtag & A1.
A real roller coaster. At best times it was completely awesome to the point where I looked forward to work on Monday, at worst hated every minute. But overall, I wouldn't change a thing. #ukedchat
A1: I wanted to make a difference to children’s lives - helping those that are disadvantaged to have the best start in life possible & challenging the more able. Being a teacher always exceeds expectations, in challenge, reward & constant transformation of pedagogy #UKEdChat
A1 I wanted to be a teacher to impact change, for individuals but also for society. I trained at 30. I always knew I wanted to teach but also knew the responsibilities & that I wanted to have some other experiences under my belt. It's reached & exceeded in many ways... #Ukedchat
A1 I left the legal sector to work in teaching 5 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. I work longer and harder but job satisfaction is unparalleled, everyday feel like I’m making a difference #ukedchat
I remember walking home from college and going through in my hear how I would teach a lesson. I was eighteen and did not expect to be a teacher - not enough money. As soon as I got over that, it became my career goal #ukedchat
A1 I wanted to be a teacher to impact change, for individuals but also for society. I trained at 30. I always knew I wanted to teach but also knew the responsibilities & that I wanted to have some other experiences under my belt. It's reached & exceeded in many ways... #Ukedchat
A1 according to my gran I've always wanted to be a teacher, I've never really thought of doing anything else! I find my expectations change over time #ukedchat
A1 Initially as a post-bachelor course when I was at a loss for future career. However I had a week in a Primary sch pre-PGCE and Y6 teacher let me take a small section on MRS GREN and it was the most viseral lightbulb moment ever. #UKEdChat
Yes been a blessing and a curse for me personally...a blessing in terms of the kind of teacher I am but sometimes for more personal reasons frustrating. The teaching is what matters so good overall!
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q2 - What was the best advice you’ve been given as a teacher?
Pls use the hashtag & A2
community, inclusivity, engagement (in and with society) and opportunity. Think if we get education and opportunity right then makes for a better society for all. Obvs this is a broad topic for a tweet :) #Ukedchat
It is - I had two great History teachers at secondary school. We get good intake from KS3 into KS4 but I do wonder if I inspire them the same way I was. But then my teachers were probably saying the same things 22 years ago ... #Ukedchat
A2 as my class transitioned to high school I passed on what my old HT told me ‘kids won’t remember what you told them, but they will remember how you made them feel’ - yeah I was aiming for waterworks at leavers assembly! #ukedchat
A1 I became a teacher by accident. As a personal trainer, one of my clients suggested I tried out a job as a TA. After day 1 I was hooked and did everything I could to become a teacher. It has exceeded my expectations, both good and not so. #UKEDCHAT
#ukedchat A1. Went out on a limb and took a PP Eng assistant job. Was given 3 classes as unqualified three months in. Some kids who love education, others who hate it. My job to change that. Started my SD course this week and exceeded all expectations so far! Adore it.
A2, not so much advice but having a good mentor and line manager. Allowed me room to grow, accepted I was human and made mistakes. Never gave me fake praise, but appreciated my work. #ukedchat
A1 I became a teacher by accident. As a personal trainer, one of my clients suggested I tried out a job as a TA. After day 1 I was hooked and did everything I could to become a teacher. It has exceeded my expectations, both good and not so. #UKEDCHAT
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Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q3 - What advice would you give someone who’s just starting out?
Pls use the hashtag & A3
I was lucky to work at my secondary school, alongside the same teachers, it was a second education from them. I was lucky to observe them as people to emulate and get advice from. Plus they gave my first taste of teaching as I was working as a LSA at the time #Ukedchat
A3 don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try new things, modelling learning and embracing failure is a great example to set the kids #ukedchat
A1: I'd always wanted to be a teacher from my very 1st day at school but it was my appalling English teachers at secondary that made me choose my area. I've loved being a teacher esp my years in the private sector where my passion was allowed to flourish! #ukedchat
A1 I wanted young people to be inspired so they can aspire to great potential. Growing up I wanted to be a superhero, being a teacher has been the closest thing to one. Working in an AP setting, students lack that figure, it's my goal for every student to have that hero #UKEdChat
A3: This is a job where your greatest asset is your colleagues. When things are getting you down or times are tough, always turn to someone for help - 9 times out of 10, they've been there, done that and gave the T-Shirt. And get out of your classroom when you can #Ukedchat
Welcome to the #UKEdChat@UKEdChat discussion
Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q1, Why did you want to become a teacher? Has being a teacher reached, or exceeded your expectations?
Pls use the hashtag & A1.
A3: My advice for an NQT would be to listen, learn and soak up advice, ideas and teaching styles. Reflect on your own and others’ practice. Make the most of opportunities that come your way but maintain a good work-life balance. #UKEdChat
A2: After a bad day/lesson you are allowed the evening to fret, dissect, wallow but the next day is a new day with a fresh perspective. Same with a child with poor behaviour from a previous year. Give them a fresh start! #ukedchat
A3 My advice would be to follow your own path as best you can and try not to compare yourself to others. Learn from others and don't be afraid to ask for help or make mistakes. 8 years in and I still have bad days and disaster lessons. Learn from them and move on. #UKEdChat
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q4 - Do you think you can “master” teaching?
Pls use the hashtag & A4
#ukedchat A1. by far exceeded all expectations. After 8 yrs in marketing & PR, I made the leap into primary teaching. I’d been ill, which made me re-evaluate all aspects of my life. I wanted to make a difference to children’s lives. It is one of the most rewarding jobs in the 🌍
A1 I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, never had another career in mind. It hasn’t met my expectations, as it turns out I didn’t really know what teachers actually do. I don’t think non-teachers do! But I do really enjoy it! Teenagers are (mostly) great fun to work with #UKEdChat
A4: There is no such thing as mastering teaching and aiming for this will only end in frustration & disappointment. Teaching has to change to improve. Therefore teaching styles & pedagogy change & develop to maximise children’s learning. #UKEdChat
A4 don’t think you can ever truly master anything - especially in teaching, we’re fundamentally trying to develop a child’s brain, despite the most accomplished doctors and academics still having little idea how a brain actually works #ukedchat
A3 The same advice I had but like many things it was pointless until I did it and found out for myself. SELF CARE, which I have been adoment about from the start, is my number one. You cannot be a good teacher without looking after yourself first. #Ukedchat
A2 Don’t take individual student attitudes/behaviour to heart. You are a small part of their day and a fraction of their life. If they’re grumpy/disinterested in learning it is not your fault. #UKEdChat
A1 I had a fantastic teacher when I was 8/9, an NQT, who made learning everything so interesting (even learning to spell environmental!) I told him at Christmas time I wanted to be a teacher like him. Since then he's been in touch to say he knew I would do it. #UKEdChat
#UKEdChat A1 Three years ago, I would have never expected myself to land the job of a teacher. Having done some work experience in schools with young children, I realised the importance of education and schooling, especially within the primary years, and how important building -
- those relationships are, not only for pupils’ academic attainment, but their personal, social and emotional growth and wellbeing (which I believe is fundamental and the most rewarding!) #UKEdChat A1
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q5 - Do you think teachers focus enough on their own improvement?
Pls use the hashtag & A5
#ukedchat A1. Went out on a limb and took a PP Eng assistant job. Was given 3 classes as unqualified three months in. Some kids who love education, others who hate it. My job to change that. Started my SD course this week and exceeded all expectations so far! Adore it.
A3: Ignore the naysayers...teaching is different everyday for every teacher. Listen to advice and decide if you can/want to act on it. Ask and accept help esp with resources and managing student behaviour. Make time for you- 1 night a week & 1 Day at weekend! #ukedchat
A2 The best advice I ever had, when I was going through a low point, was that as we are always striving to improve our practice, it can result in massive highs, but also massive lows. We need to experience the lows in order to appreciate the highs. #UKEdChat
A2 Remember these words: kind, calm and caring. In the most tricky situations just thinking about those words can help keep feelings in check and help to deal with issues in a positive way. #UKEdChat
#UkEdChat A4 -
In my opinion you cannot master teaching as the goalposts are always moving, as we teachers are always developing alongside this. There are many incredible teachers and the measure of mastery is subjective in my eyes. Completely open for debate this one...
#ukedchat A3 - surround yourself with positive people that inspire you. Avoid negativity. Be creative, take risks, have fun... most of all put the children @ the centre of everything you do. Be kind to yourself. Build a strong support network - they’ll get you through. ✊🏻💫
Going to give a #positive#praise stick to each correct or attempted answer in the classroom. Will keep score for each student and convert to reward at the end of each half term. Sticks collected back for reuse. #UKEdChat#classroom#praise
A4 Perhaps part of mastering teacher is knowing that all practice has the capacity to improve. As long as you are reflecting on what you are learning and adapting your teaching to the needs of the chn you are teaching ,then to some extent there is some level of mastery. #UKEdChat
A4 I don't think it's possible to master teaching. Times change and so should teaching. I think instead we should aim to constantly improve in order to continue providing the best that we can for our children. #UKEdChat
It is hard but for your own sanity you must. Sometimes you might have a run of 3 bad days but then you'll experience an amazing lesson. Remember the positives. Ignore or learn from the negatives. They aren't always your fault! Sometimes it's just it being windy 🌬 #ukedchat
A5: A good teacher will focus on their own improvement but the culture of a school will play a big part in this. A school which promotes CPD for all & positively develops staff will have reflective, proactive teachers who strive to improve. #ukedchat
A3 - Learn from and better yourself through your colleagues but don’t try to be your colleagues! Find your own style that you find comfortable. You can’t provide the children with the best educational experiences when you’re forcing yourself to be someone you’re not. #UKEdChat
A4 No. You can be confident that you’re good but “master” implies that you’ve nothing else to learn and as culture and attitudes change in society so too must a the skills of a teacher. And if we adopt the attitude that we’ve “got it” we wont be flexible! #UKEdChat
A3 Don't be too hard on yourself. Your 'to do' list will never end but focus on the things that matter (and neither will mine.) Show the chn you care about them and they will care about you. That will make behaviour management for the majority so much easier. #UKEdChat
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Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q6 - What barriers are there to personal improvement as a teacher?
Pls use the hashtag & A6
A5 - I think it depends on the stage of your teaching life, the individual themself and what improvement actually means to the individual. It is very nuanced as to whether focusing on improvement is intrinsic or extrinsic too. #ukedchat
@ukedchat A3 - Learn from and better yourself through your colleagues but don’t try to be your colleagues! Find a style that you find comfortable. You can’t provide the children with the best educational experiences when you’re forcing yourself to be someone you’re not. #UKEdChat
I loved reading. I devoured books. They told me to get a proper hobby and that I'd never make a career out of reading! My dad used to take me to the library every week and I was allowed 7 books. He supported me and helped me to prove them wrong! #ukedchat
A5 honestly I feel I’m better at developing my knowledge in fields I have an interest in rather than working on things that don’t enthuse me as much. Made an effort this year with textiles and doing a fashion topic this term. But chemistry - confusing and scary for me! #ukedchat
A5: I didn't see/hear about teachers reading/choosing to go on courses when I first started (only courses that SLT deemed were important) In past few years and at new school, there is a shift towards self improvement. #ukedchat
Those words make up our school rules. If children and adults follow that ethos then it makes for a very happy place. I appreciate at times it can be hard to feel like that at times. #UKEdChat
#ukedchat A1. by far exceeded all expectations. After 8 yrs in marketing & PR, I made the leap into primary teaching. I’d been ill, which made me re-evaluate all aspects of my life. I wanted to make a difference to children’s lives. It is one of the most rewarding jobs in the 🌍
A1: Fell into it almost by accident. Was a helper on an overseas school trip. Loved engaging with the students. Loved how they responded to learning. As soon as I got home I applied (late) for PGCE. 19 years later, I don't regret it. #UKEdChat
A6: This can depend very much on the ethos of the SLT. If they don’t support regular, powerful CPD, teachers won’t be able to flourish & reach their potential. However a teacher can actively seek their own CPD, through networking & social media, for example. #ukedchat
Merci. It's important not to think of mastering something as it is done, you know it all. Teaching is one of those jobs where every new class / cohort brings it's own unique traits. Flexibility and reflection are needed to adapt to those needs. #UKEdChat
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Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q7 - How do you and your school reflect on your teaching? Is it constructive?
Pls use the hashtag & A7
A3. Don't try to be perfect. Smile. Talk to kids you teach in the corridor. And do your marking promptly- not for the SLT, but for your classes. They'll appreciate it- even if it doesn't show. #UKEdChat
A5 Depends on stage of career and ethos of school. Also a balancing act. If SLT exude an attitude of always looking to improve it could motivate or de-motivate as you might feel that you’ll “never be good enough”. But even in best environment time is always an issue. #UKEdChat
A1 I always wanted to be a teacher. I always loved going into school with my teacher Mum.When I started my pgce it wasn’t what I was expecting and I found it much tougher than I expected.I’m glad I stuck it out because 12 years later I’m very happy to be still teaching. #UKEdChat
Time is the biggest barrier A6. A lot of teachers recognise the benefit of modelling life long learning and just enjoy learning so time is a significant detrimental factor #ukedchat Also depends on life stage for many. If you have small children time is even more precious.
A5 I think teacher CPD is mixed. I certainly focus a lot on improving my practice and know a lot of other teachers that do the same. I also know a lot that are happy doing as they've done for years. #UKEdChat
Absolutely. My school are very supportive of CPD and I’ve been lucky enough for them to allow me to complete my MEd & NPQSL, plus various other courses & projects. Not many schools would provide such opportunities! #UKEdChat
A6 - If you are not a learner, you will never become the best teacher you could be. Old friend of mine said '10 years experience is not the same as 1 year's experience 10 times over' one of my favourite quotes. I use it all the time. It means always learn and improve. #ukedchat
A3 One of the most valuable resources you can have in your career is a good mentor. Make sure you find one who is willing to invest time in your development. Don’t let anyone steal your peace or give you feedback that makes you feel like you can’t be a great teacher! #UKEdChat
A6: Time. Plus in Guernsey travel restraints and costs - either have to fly or get boat to England for courses, and if the fog comes in, flights don't go. Course = travel and sometimes a hotel plus course costs #Ukedchat
#ukedchat A6 - You get out what you put in. Invest time and energy into yourself and the areas YOU want to develop. Find a school that supports and invests in its staff.
A2 Best advice for me was around developing handwriting by using a yellow highlighter and highlighting the bottom section of lines. So simple, but amazingly effective! #UkEdChat
Line manager gave me the books I’d asked for today! Seen so many positive reviews for both @HuntingEnglish and @teacherhead not sure which one to start with for my next #cpd reading #ukedchat
@ukedchat A1 My mum was a teacher and I often went in with her. I had two things I wanted to do...marry someone rich or be a teacher ;-) my mum tried to tell me not too but I still did. Have always loved it! #ukedchat
A4: Maybe if the government of the day stopped interfering.If Ofsted stopped changing the goalposts.If exam boards stopped messing with the syllabus & set text.If SLT stopped altering expectations & if all students were clones & conformed to current societal expectations#ukedchat
@ukedchat A2 "You will never do it all, so don't try." A teacher (new or old) needs to know this or they will go made making lists and working all hours! Do the things needed most and count the others as a bonus! #ukedchat
A4. No. But you can be pretty good at the version suited to you. And so long as you are always open to new suggestions and ideas, that's probably good enough. #UKEdChat
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Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q8 - Would you recommend teaching to a friend or family member?
Pls use the hashtag & A8
A5 Also invest in yourself. Take responsibility for your own development. It pays off big time in the long term. I've spent £1000s on my own development now I can help others. #UKEdChat
Just one other thing I repeat ad naseum (sp?) CPD is not something that is done for you, it's something you do for yourself. Best schools support you in doing that - (it's not just about getting on a course you want) #ukedchat
@ukedchat A4 When I think of a master it isn't someone who is perfect. It academia it's a certain level or education by hours spent.A working teacher can defo get to this.There is always things to learn (in anything!Things adapt and change).. depends of view of what a master is.
Yes, but it can depend on the person, family dynamics, demands & sleep lost etc. I can see that having children can revitalise the importance of teaching but it is still time consuming #ukedchat particularly for mothers (which may be contentious) but that is the reality
@ukedchat A5 P1 YES but do they get time to do anything about it!? NO! Nearly all teachers I have met are contentious and want to be the best. It's not really a job to muddle through but not much times is given.
@ukedchat Q5 P2 I would love to see the stats on how many other profession dominate social media for career improvement like teachers do....do electricians have a evening chat group? I wonder... #ukedchat
A6 I think one of the greatest barriers to personal improvement is, and always will be, time. There is such a pressure on teachers to provide results and jump through hoops that even maintaining this can sometimes prove difficult. #UKEdChat
Perhaps, but there is always room for improvement, isn’t there? As teachers, we’re also learners. Will we ever stop learning or developing or honing our craft... ? I’m only 4 years in and the development curve so far has been STEEP! Reflection is key.
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q6 - What barriers are there to personal improvement as a teacher?
Pls use the hashtag & A6
@ukedchat Q5 P2 I would love to see the stats on how many other profession dominate social media for career improvement like teachers do....do electricians have a evening chat group? I wonder... #ukedchat
A8 Depends entirely on their personality. Its incredibly tough and some types e.g. perfectionist or the impatient may find it really too stressful to cope. I can’t think of someone in my immediate family that it might suit. I’d give my mother a week 😂 #UKEdChat
@ukedchat Q7 Social media for work is encouraged in my school and CPD is on the timetable (!) so it's bit. CPD is a big focus and lots of different ways it is done. They know their stuff where I am and praise you for doing so! FAB! #ukedchat
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Tonight we’re talking about making the best start to your teaching year
Q6 - What barriers are there to personal improvement as a teacher?
Pls use the hashtag & A6
A7: We have annual appraisals where we can write what we really want prior to the meeting on the pro forma and then discuss things with our line manager calmly and both sides can discuss going forward. The process is both useful & considered #ukedchat
A7 I am lucky to have a headteacher and other members of staff I can be honest with. Constructive feedback is given which I find useful. I like to reflect at the end of the day to look at the positives, minuses and interesting points. #UKEdChat
#ukedchat A7 - what I’d love more of is time. Time to talk and reflect and share with colleagues. Observations were useful as an NQT but lively discussions and dialogue with other professionals about what we do and how we do it is a game-changer.
@ukedchat Q8 Yes and no...it depends on the person. I would want it to be something they are passionate about in some way shape or form. It can be a whole life you are in charge of (or thousands over time!) - it's not something to go in lightly! #ukedchat
A5 This is one thing I love about the profession, teachers (Or I was) are trained in reflection. To continually reflect & develop. I try improve always. Ironic that adult learning (cpd) is more restrained in teaching than any other career I've had - no time! #Ukedchat
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A7 As a school we have no set way to reflect other than through book scrutinies or lesson observations. Personally I believe teachers have a built-in "auto-reflecter". We're always noting what worked well and what didn't, then looking for ways to improve. #UKEdChat
A6 A few teachers may think they do not need to improve - willingness is key. In the current climate budgets, time and cover staff may be barriers to improvement. When you are an NQT many courses are available. Perhaps fewer opportunities for more experienced teachers. #UKEdChat
#UKEdChat A3 - everyday is different. Make sure you tell someone when you’ve had a bad day but also a good one, they’ll help you remember these when things aren’t going to plan. Also, ask for help. We’ve all been there!
#UKEdchat A1. I went to a school that was dubbed amongst the bottom 10 in the country and seen first hand the difference a decent teacher could make. I was lucky to come from a good background and realised that it wasn’t the same for all children. #makeadifference@ukedchat
#UkEdChat A1 Fascination with how we learn and why some pupils struggle with maths. Having designed computer systems and been in education, the latter is far more absorbing and interesting, albeit far worse paid!
#ukedchat A1
I became a teacher because it was practically destiny! I loved my last years of school. When I graduated, my HoY hugged me and said she thought I'd become a teacher. Halfway through my gap year I decided I had to do it.
A5 As in all walks of life there is a continuum with a yes at one end a no at the other - it depends on the teacher. Personally I'd say I do. I read lots, I'm reflective and I'm motivated to become better and better. #UKEdChat
There is, but it’s often teachers’ own time - in the holidays or weekends. Not during a busy term but those moments when we do have time to unwind and reflect. So many cpd events on Saturdays now & we still go, regardless of whether we’ll get the time back or not. #ukedchat
