Grad2Teach February News Round-up

Update for Phase 1 and AOR In-School Mentors (ISMs)

Grad2Teach Training Day 2 in Peterborough

Training Day 2 provided a hands-on learning experience for the trainees to strengthen their lesson planning and behaviour management skills, aligning with Teaching Standards 4 and 7. Through a combination of practical workshops, guided discussions and collaborative activities, participants explored effective strategies for structuring lessons, engaging students, and maintaining a positive classroom environment.

The day emphasised problem-solving approaches to common classroom challenges, with opportunities to share experiences, exchange ideas, and receive tailored advice from the Teaching and Learning Team. Trainees gained valuable insights into building confidence, fostering student engagement, and preparing for the PGCE, while also connecting with their peers for mutual support and professional growth.

Below are some pictures from the event below:

• Ensure compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements
• Identify gaps in staff training and safeguarding practices
• Strengthen the whole-school approach to child protection 
• Show your school's commitment to safeguarding to key stakeholders   

Update for Phase 2 (PGCE) Trainees

Beware the Month of March! 

March is, typically, the month of the year with the highest absences in schools and with good reason: many of us speed through Autumn and Spring Term 1 without rest and by the time March rolls around, immune systems are on the floor. With Spring Term being the shortest of the year, absences can be extra costly, so remember that you have 24/7 GP access on your payroll app, as well as health and wellbeing strategies, reminders, and guides. Your health and wellbeing is a priority, so don't neglect it; remember to protect it. Remember, too, that part of the PGCE requirement is your attendance at school placements, so if you are unwell, be sure to inform your school, Grad2Teach, and NITE, as soon as possible.

Do also look out for communication from your Partnerships Coordinator - they will be setting up Whatsapp groups and scheduling weekly drop-in pastoral sessions so you always have easy access to ongoing support and, as always, do get in touch if you need us for anything at all, any time.

Update for Phase 2 (PGCE) In-School Mentors 

Contrasting Placement Confirmation Deadlines

Many, or all of you would have received communication from the Placements Team at NITE regarding your trainees' contrasting placements - if you are not already aware, we at Grad2Teach work to arrange these placements to save you the hassle. By now, all of your trainees' placements have either been arranged or are in the compliance-checking phase of the process, so confirmations are coming soon. If you have not yet been informed of your trainee's placement, please reach out to Alex directly on alexb@grad2teach.ac.uk for details.

Your Wellbeing Matters Too!

As the unsung heroes of Initial Teacher Training, you as mentors represent an absolutely vital part of any new teacher's journey, and the value of your support, expertise, and counsel cannot be understated. March is just as dangerous, absence-wise, for experienced teachers as it is for trainees; though you may not have direct access to our payroll app and all its benefits, Grad2Teach are always happy to offer any advice and support to anyone in our network, including you, so don't hesitate to get in touch for any information or support we can offer.

Update Grad2Teach Alumni Trainees

The Education Endowment Foundation is ‘an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement.’ The website has a wealth of evidence-based resources offering support for teachers and schools to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Below are a couple of examples from the website that will support you as a teacher and as a future school leader.

Take a look at the EEF Toolkit for different strands aimed at improving teaching and learning. The strategies are underpinned by findings from a wide variety of high-quality research studies, and the site is regularly updated to keep pace with new educational research. Within each strand there is an explanation of what it is, the key findings from the research, how effective this approach is and the impact of this approach with suggestions for how you could implement the approach in your school.

In this section of the home page, you will find resources and evidence for all the school phases along with leadership and planning.

Update from the Partnerships Team 

Thriving as a Full-Time Teacher While Excelling in Grad2Teach

Embracing the journey of the Grad2Teach programme, while working as a full-time teacher, is an exciting opportunity for growth and professional development. With effective time management, a proactive approach, and the right support, you can confidently balance both responsibilities and flourish in your role. 

1. Plan and Stay Ahead

A well-structured plan is key to success. Use a planner to organise lesson planning, marking, and assignments. Setting clear priorities and breaking tasks into smaller steps makes everything more manageable. Stay proactive - if challenges arise, reach out to your Partnerships Coordinator for guidance and reassurance. 

2. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Make the most of available resources to streamline your workload. Digital tools, pre-made teaching materials, and collaborative efforts with colleagues can significantly enhance efficiency. Utilise technology such as self-marking quizzes and shared lesson plans to save valuable time. 

3. Make the Most of Your Time

Use your non-teaching time wisely by maximising PPA time and making productive use of commutes. Committing just 30 minutes a day to assignments keeps you on track and reduces last-minute stress. Setting small, achievable goals ensures steady progress and a sense of accomplishment. 

4. Prioritise Your Well-being

Your well-being is essential to your success. Establish boundaries between work and personal time to maintain balance. Engage in self-care, seek support from mentors, and stay adaptable to new challenges. A positive mindset will keep you motivated and energised. 

A Rewarding Journey 

Balancing full-time teaching with Grad2Teach training is a fulfilling challenge that will help shape you into a confident and skilled educator. Stay organised, communicate openly, and celebrate your achievements along the way. Every step you take brings you closer to success.