If you are enthusiastic, determined and committed to making a difference to young people, we would love to hear from you. We look for the following key personal qualities:
1. A positive attitude and commitment to working with young people
Teachers need a genuine and realistic enthusiasm for working with children and young people. This includes treating pupils with dignity, building relationships based on mutual respect and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
2. A passion for your subject or phase and for delivering first-class education
Secondary
We look for candidates with a strong understanding and knowledge of their subject, combined with enthusiasm for sharing it with young people. A teacher’s passion for their subject can inspire pupils and make a real difference to their learning and life chances.
Primary
For Primary, we look for a good level of literacy and numeracy, together with a genuine enthusiasm for the phase and an interest in the breadth of the primary curriculum. Primary teachers play an important role in developing the whole child, so we look for candidates who are enthusiastic about supporting pupils across all areas of their learning and development.
For both Primary and Secondary, we value candidates who are passionate about education and committed to making a positive difference to young people. Our trainees and teachers play an important role in furthering our vision of improving the life chances of young people through excellent education.
3. Excellent interpersonal, communication, organisation and time-management skills
Speaking, listening and communicating effectively are fundamental to a teacher’s role. You need to be able to communicate instructions, questions, information, concepts and ideas clearly, using appropriate language for different situations.
Teachers also need to communicate effectively in writing with colleagues, pupils and parents, maintaining the high standards of accuracy expected of the profession.
Teaching is a complex and busy profession, with many competing demands. Strong organisational and time-management skills are therefore essential, as is the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
4. A creative and innovative approach
The ability to find new ways to engage and enthuse pupils is an important part of effective teaching. We also value candidates who are willing to develop their own knowledge and practice and think creatively about how they can support pupils to learn and succeed.
5. The ability to be reflective, improve your practice and an eagerness to learn
Reflection and professional development are key parts of teacher training. You’ll be encouraged to reflect critically on your practice, identify areas for development and respond positively to feedback from your mentors and tutors.
A genuine enthusiasm for learning will help you continue to develop throughout your training and your career. Excellent teaching comes from more than subject knowledge and expertise; great teachers are committed to learning and improving throughout their professional lives.
6. The resilience, energy and stamina to thrive in a challenging environment
Teacher training is demanding, with multiple responsibilities and new challenges to navigate. You’ll need to be open to feedback, able to learn from setbacks and willing to adapt as your practice develops. You’ll also work with pupils who may face challenging circumstances that affect their experience in the classroom, requiring patience, understanding and effective strategies to support them.
Teaching can be challenging, but it is also hugely rewarding. Trainee wellbeing is a high priority at i2i, and our dedicated team is here to support you throughout your training.
7. High standards of personal and professional conduct
Teachers are expected to maintain high standards of professional conduct and behaviour and to uphold public trust in the profession. Tolerance, mutual respect and a commitment to fundamental British values are important characteristics for all teachers.
If you’re unsure whether your qualifications or experience meet the requirements, please get in touch. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
