Starting a new job can feel daunting, but beginning a teaching placement is in a league of its own. However, don’t let the pressure overwhelm you. Here are ten tips to excel in your placement:
1. Visit the school beforehand to learn the dress code, meet your colleagues, and obtain their contact details. Being prepared will avoid awkward situations, such as showing up to school dressed inappropriately.
2. Be punctual and arrive early to give yourself time to acclimate to your surroundings. Observe how teachers interact with pupils and try new things to learn from mistakes.
3. Find an appropriate location for your paperwork and desk without disturbing the teacher or children. Sitting in a corner on the first day of your placement is inevitable, but finding a proper place to sit will lessen the stress.
4. Be helpful and engage in classroom activities, such as teaching assistant tasks. Building relationships with children and adapting to the transition of TA to teacher is crucial.
5. Follow the methods that the teacher uses in the classroom, especially during the first phase of the placement. Introduce yourself as a teacher rather than a student, which will ease younger children’s transition to a new adult figure.
6. Acknowledge that you are a guest in someone else’s domain. It may be challenging for the teacher to give up control of the class.
7. Utilize the staffroom to interact with staff members, rather than isolating yourself in the classroom. Taking advantage of this time to chat with colleagues and picking up tips will help you integrate yourself into the school’s culture better.
8. Consider bringing biscuits or chocolate in your first week as an icebreaker. Sit next to different people and strike up casual conversations. Workspace barriers, like scrolling through social media or huddling with fellow trainees, should be avoided.
9. Network and stay in contact with other trainees online. Ensure your online profiles reflect your professional status and that you keep them locked down.
10. Avoid overworking yourself and allow for relaxation. Manage your paperwork every day, back up your digital work before leaving, and don’t stay until the caretaker locks you in. The first week may be difficult, but once the staff sees you as hardworking, friendly, and conscientious, you’ll feel like a valued member of the team in no time.
