Have you ever wondered what being a trainee teacher is really like? Our fantastic former trainee Meaghan Franklin has kindly written an article detailing her experience for the benefit of new and potential trainees. Read on!

My time as an MEITT Trainee.

"I remember so vividly, walking into my first whole cohort training session, feeling nervous and excited with this very clear expectation of what my teacher training year was going to look like. It was going to be a time of colourful stationery, building strong relationships with students and staff alike and bonding with my fellow trainees as we muddle through this exciting year together.

"I could never have expected such a whirlwind of a year, the fastest year I think I have ever experienced. Coming into teacher training with little experience in a school, but sure that that was where I belonged, I was met with such warmth and support from everyone at Mid Essex and my placement school. The structure of your training year is that you will spend four days a week in school, being immersed in school life, you will join a tutor group and help take on pastoral responsibilities and immediately begin observing expert colleagues in your chosen subject.

"I was given ample time and support to build up the confidence to begin taking over my own classes and by Christmas, I was fully in charge of the teaching and learning of multiple classes. Back in September, I couldn’t have imagined standing up in front of 30 students and teaching them, and yet here I am, a qualified teacher. I threw myself into my placement school, making sure I was involved in enrichment activities, such as clubs. I ensured that I engaged fully with CPD opportunities given to me and built friendships with my department that will be long lasting. They truly gave me the tools to have a successful and long career in teaching.

"The other day (Thursdays) were spent at Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form being taught the educational pedagogy that will support the development of your teaching practice. The Thursday sessions were an opportunity (covid permitting) to catch up with the other trainees and your course tutors, to discuss any problems, worries and successes you had had that week (there was always cake or biscuits!). My course tutor at Mid Essex was always available for a chat, and was extremely supportive with any problems or challenges that I faced throughout my training year, and I could not be more grateful for that support. 

"There was an entire program curated by the MEITT team of expert colleagues from around the area to come in and share good practice, from creativity in the classroom to understanding how to support SEND students to giving you the tools to look after your own mental health and well-being when you start teaching. These sessions were filled with invaluable knowledge of how to implement effective strategies into your own classroom.

"Thursday afternoons were spent consolidating that knowledge and putting it into practice with a focus of your subject specialism. Again, leading practitioners held sessions for your subject, which was an opportunity to learn subject specific strategies for creating a positive teaching and learning environment. These could include, how to write schemes of work or how to mark exam questions, all skills that will be needed in your teaching career. Thursdays for me, were an opportunity to reflect on my week and plan how I was going to improve my practice with all my new skills. 

"Overall, my year with Mid Essex was a rollercoaster, I experienced the highest of highs up in front of the students watching their faces light up as they were learning, but I also experienced the stresses and worries that come with starting a whole new career path. Mid Essex’s support and expertise were exceptional and I wouldn’t have changed a thing about my training year. My confidence in myself and my ability flourished and I truly feel like I belong in this profession thanks to Mid Essex."