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Roger Jones

Roger Jones

Maths Trainee 2018-19

" My advice for anyone considering a career change to teaching is that experiencing the school environment is a “must do” , to understand exactly what you are signing up to. Do your homework – spend time in a school and talk to many people as possible who work in the teaching profession. At the same time, don’t “overthink it” .. go with your gut feel …what do you have to lose?"

Several years ago, when I first considered a change of career into teaching, I visited Weydon to observe the Mathematics department and to ask myself the tough question “Is this the job for me?”. This first experience was overwhelming positive, both of the Mathematics department which was welcoming and clearly a progressive team, but also of the school as a whole which had a calm, courteous and respectful feel to it. This was the trigger for me to move in to teaching, and to chose Teach@Weydon/i2i as the provider of my training.  My advice for anyone considering a career change to teaching is that experiencing the school environment is a “must do”, to understand exactly what you are signing up to. Do your homework – spend time in a school and talk to as many people as possible who work in the teaching profession. At the same time, don’t “overthink it” .. go with your gut feel …what do you have to lose?

My degree is in Electronic Engineering, which has a very high mathematical content, so I did not need to do an Subject Knowledge Enhancement course. For the Skills Tests in Numeracy and Literacy, I did lots of practice on BBC BiteSize, backed up with doing mock Skills Tests on the DfE website. Practice is essential!

Ahead of my interview I did lots of web research into what life was like as a teacher as well as background reading on educational issues. I also spoke to teacher friends for advice. As a result my interview went pretty well! My biggest piece of advice - just be yourself and relax!

As a current Maths trainee I am studying for both my QTS and PGCE. While it is additional workload, I think it is important to back up my practical skills with academic foundations to fully understand “what works and why? Being a family man it is a challenge juggling home and school life but definitely possible! Be strict and “time box” time spent studying. If you are struggling with the course, ask for help. There is help if you need it!

The highlight of my training so far was the first time I experienced a pupil saying “I really enjoyed that lesson sir!”

 

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