Name Stephanie Wilson

In what year did you train? 2021/2022

Which subject did you train in? English

Which school/s did you train in? Plume Academy

Can you tell us a bit more about what you are doing now? I currently work at Notley High School in the English department as a classroom teacher and the RAP in charge of KS3. I run our school's Pride Club and promote oracy through the Jack Petchey 'Speak Out Challenge'. I also work with Mid Essex to support trainees with their transition to the ECT year.

Thinking back to your teacher training with Mid Essex ITT, can you share with us about a highlight, fond memory or funny story? 21/22 was an interesting year as we did most of our Thursday sessions online at the beginning! As restrictions were lifted it was wonderful to connect with somany excellent trainees who remain colleagues and friends to this day. My favourite memory is of the English and Drama trainees working with the Royal Shakespeare Company. We had a thoroughly lovely and memorable day!
I must also talk about the PGCE and the "ethics form". What a labour of love!

What was teacher training like when you trained? What were the buzzwords, latest theories or popular pedagogy? Adaptive Teaching. Cognitive Science. Metacognition. Retrieval Practice. Tier 2 vocabulary. Mini whiteboards!

Thinking back to your teacher training, what was your key takeaway from Mid Essex ITT? Believe in yourself - no matter what your background is, you have something to offer students. Those connections are so worth the hard work.

Thinking back to your teacher training, is there anyone who supported you whom you would like to recognise or thank? The whole Mid Essex team were incredibly supportive but my course tutor Stewart Haines truly made me believe I was made for this job. I still remember his pep talks!
Both of my mentors, Laura Caldow and Dave Burke, were an excellent source of support and knowledge. I owe my creativity in the classroom and mybehaviour management to these two teachers!
I also don't think I would have got through the training year without my fellow English trainees and the wonderful Jess Heard.