We spoke to Emma Wardman, recipient of the 'Greatest Impact on School' Initial Teacher Training award and graduate of the Teacher Apprenticeship with primary specialism,  to learn more about her journey into teaching. She also shares how the Teacher Apprenticeship has supported her to develop her skills and launch a successful teaching career. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching? 

The significant influence that my teachers had on me in my early years motivated me to choose a career in education. They left a lasting effect by promoting inquiry, cultivating a passion of learning, and offering direction outside the classroom. I was aware of the transforming effect that education might have on people and communities, and I wanted to be a part of that process.

I have always been passionate about sharing knowledge and helping others understand complex ideas. The joy of seeing someone grasp a concept they struggled with, or develop confidence in their abilities is incredibly rewarding. Teaching offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives every day, which is a privilege and a responsibility I was eager to embrace.

I am a mature student who had a career as a nurse when I left school,  so it's never too late to switch careers! 

What route did you take into teaching and why did you choose this route? 

I chose to pursue a career in teaching through an Early Years degree combined with an apprenticeship because I was passionate about working with young children and wanted a hands-on, immersive experience in the field. Early childhood is such a crucial period for development, and I knew that specialising in this area would allow me to make a significant impact on children's lives right from the start.

The Early Years degree provided me with a strong theoretical foundation in child development, pedagogy, and the importance of play-based learning. I was drawn to the holistic approach of this degree, which not only covered academic aspects but also emphasised the social, emotional, and physical development of young children.

To complement my degree, I opted for an apprenticeship because I wanted to gain real-world experience while learning. The apprenticeship allowed me to work directly in a school settings, applying what I had learnt in my degree to everyday practice. It gave me the chance to develop practical skills, build confidence in the classroom, and learn from experienced professionals. This combination of academic learning and hands-on experience was the perfect fit for me.

How has the Teacher Apprenticeship supported you to develop your teaching skills?

The Teacher Apprenticeship played a pivotal role in developing my skills as a teacher. This pathway offered a unique blend of practical experience and structured learning, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. The apprenticeship placed me directly in a classroom setting, where I could apply the theories and techniques I was learning in real time.

This hands-on experience was invaluable. I was able to interact with children daily, observe their behaviours, and experiment with different teaching strategies under the guidance of experienced mentors. This constant immersion in the classroom environment helped me develop strong classroom management skills, a deeper understanding of child development, and the ability to adapt my teaching methods to meet the needs of individual children.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting a Teacher Apprenticeship? 

Embrace the opportunity to learn by doing, be prepared for a balancing act, seek feedback and reflect regularly, build strong relationships, stay curious and open to learning and take care of yourself.

What has been your favourite part of the training? 

My favourite part of the Teacher Apprenticeship has been the opportunity to build meaningful connections with the children and see their progress over time. There's something incredibly special about being a consistent presence in their lives, watching them grow, learn, and develop new skills.

Whether it's witnessing a child finally grasp a challenging concept, watching their confidence soar after achieving something they didn’t think they could, or seeing the joy in their faces during a fun activity—those moments are truly rewarding and remind me why I chose this career.

Looking for more information?

Find out more about the routes into teaching here.

If you would like any more information on our Initial Teacher Training or the Teacher Apprenticeship, get in contact with our friendly team: 

 Email: teach@bestpracticenet.co.uk

 Tel: +44 (0) 117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)