We spoke with Kirsty Favager, recipient of the 'Outstanding Achievement' Initial Teacher Training award and graduate of the Teacher Apprenticeship with primary specialism,  to learn more about her journey into teaching. She shared how the Teacher Apprenticeship has supported her to develop her skills and launch a successful career in teaching. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching? 

What inspired me to pursue a career in teaching is my deep passion for working with children. I find immense joy in being part of their growth and development, watching them discover their unique talents and strengths.

There's something incredibly rewarding about guiding children to find the path that's right for them, helping them build confidence, and encouraging them to explore their potential.

I believe that every child has the ability to succeed when given the right support and encouragement, and being able to provide that as a teacher is what drives me. Teaching allows me to make a positive impact on their lives, not just academically, but also in helping them become well-rounded, confident individuals.

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

I chose to pursue the Teacher Apprenticeship route into teaching because I wanted a more hands-on approach to my training. Having worked as a teaching assistant for seven years, I had already developed a strong foundation in supporting students and understood the dynamics of the classroom.

This experience made me realise that I was ready to take on a more active role in teaching. The apprenticeship route allowed me to build on my existing experience while continuing to work at my current school, where I had already established strong relationships with the staff and students.

This path offered the perfect balance between practical experience and theoretical learning, enabling me to grow as a teacher in a familiar and supportive environment while making an immediate impact on the students I care about.

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

The Teacher Apprenticeship has been instrumental in helping me develop my skills as an educator. By allowing me to learn on the job, I've been able to immediately apply theoretical concepts to real classroom situations, which has deepened my understanding and effectiveness. The apprenticeship has provided me with continuous, hands-on experience, which has been invaluable in honing my teaching techniques and classroom management skills.

Additionally, working closely with experienced mentors and colleagues has offered me personalised guidance and feedback, helping me refine my approach and grow in confidence. The structured support and training provided by the apprenticeship have also helped me to develop a strong understanding of the curriculum, assessment strategies, and the diverse needs of students.

Overall, the Teacher Apprenticeship has equipped me with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to become a more effective, well-rounded educator, while allowing me to continue contributing to the school community that I’m passionate about.

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

If you're considering starting a Teacher Apprenticeship, my advice would be to prioritise organisation. Balancing work, study, and training requires careful planning and time management, so staying organised is essential to keeping everything on track. Additionally, enjoy the process of learning new ways of teaching. The apprenticeship is a journey of growth and discovery, where you'll be exposed to a variety of strategies and approaches—embrace these opportunities with an open mind.

Remember to fully embrace the role you've chosen. Being an apprentice teacher means you're actively shaping the future of your students while simultaneously building your own career. It's a unique and rewarding path that allows you to make a meaningful impact from day one. Stay committed, be proactive in seeking support when needed, and take pride in the progress you make along the way.

What has been your favourite part of the training? 

My favourite part of the training has been seeing myself grow in confidence as an educator. It’s incredibly rewarding to look back and see how far I’ve come—from initially feeling unsure to now standing in front of a classroom with assurance and a strong sense of purpose. This growth in confidence has empowered me to take more initiative, experiment with different teaching methods, and engage more deeply with my students.

Additionally, I’ve loved the collaborative aspect of the training. Working alongside experienced teachers and mentors has not only provided me with invaluable insights but has also built my confidence in my abilities. The sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully implementing what I’ve learned and seeing the positive impact on my students has been truly fulfilling. This journey has reinforced my passion for teaching and solidified my belief in the importance of continuous learning and development in this profession.

Want to launch your teaching career?

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)