My Huddersfield Horizon SCITT journey has been revolutionary! To understand why, you must keep reading.
Our journey into teaching has started a little differently to what HH SCITT had initially expected, due to the pandemic. Forty individuals not knowing what to expect with two amazing people – Emily Beach and Sarah Cunningham – providing reassurance and support.
Stepping into a school environment for the first time is a daunting experience, even though you know what you have signed up for. The first day nerves are there regardless of your qualifications, age or experiences. It was only natural of me to feel anxious, however, all my fears quickly went away once I had met my mentor. The SCITT team do a phenomenal job in recruiting teachers across the Partnership schools to support you with your teaching and learning.
My mentor has not only supported me with my learning, but she has also inspired me through her teaching and professionalism. One thing she has taught me is teaching is not just about the subject knowledge you contain and how you deliver, but:
- Creating bonds with pupils, colleagues and parents
- Inspiring pupils
- Boosting self-esteem in pupils
- Enhancing ESL pupils to not only understand a second language but to thrive
- Influencing the community through school projects
These are a few traits of what a teacher offers and so if anyone ever says you are only a teacher, know that you are much more!
My experiences within the classroom have been positive but there will be (and have been) challenging moments, it’s how you bounce back from them that’s important. This is where the team, including your mentor and colleagues are key. Talk to them!
The reason why I feel I have imposter syndrome is that every day I put on my “teaching clothes” and I walk in to school to be greeted as Mr Crowther; which is alien to me. My favourite moments are the smallest moments. Walking through the door to be greeted with such joy and excitement from the children fills my heart. I am partly responsible for these small humans’ development through school and I have an opportunity to create a positive influence throughout their education.
These are the moments that reassure me I am in the right place, these are the moments that show me that I may feel like an imposter in my “teaching clothes” but slowly but surely, I am truly having an impact.
With thanks to trainee, Ashley Crowther, for his insight into training with us here at Huddersfield Horizon.