Teacher Apprenticeship case study

Apprenticeship | Case Study | ITT

Posted August 16 2024

We had the pleasure of speaking with Abigail McLennon, a recent graduate of the Teacher Apprenticeship with a primary specialism, to dive deeper into her journey into the world of teaching. Abigail opened up about how the apprenticeship helped her grow as an educator, develop her skills, and successfully launch her career in teaching. Here's her story!

What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?

I have always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was a little girl. I come from a family of educators and people who help others, therefore I believe it is engrained within me.

After finishing university, I had my first daughter, pausing my plans of becoming a teacher. However, this gave me the opportunity to work within schools, gaining as much experience as possible, as well as being a mum. Having my children and working within a school setting inspired me further to pursue a career in teaching and I wanted to show my two daughters that I can achieve my dreams, no matter how hard it may seem.

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

When I was younger, after finishing university, I applied for a PGCE but had to defer due to having my first child.

I have worked within my school since my eldest daughter was 8 months old as a teaching assistant, progressing to a Resource Provision Lead. I then went on to have another daughter who is now 5, therefore the PGCE route felt totally unmanageable.

Years later, after expressing my ambition to become a teacher, my school directed me to an apprenticeship route. Although at first it seemed daunting, it seemed like it was meant to be. It fitted in with my family, I could still work at my current school, be paid, as well as train to be a teacher - a dream come true!

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

The apprenticeship on a whole offered so much support and training to develop my skills and has given me the confidence to ask questions and develop my knowledge and skill set. It offers an array of training and the webinars and core training days are informative.

The apprenticeship trainers offer great advice to become a great teacher and I have used the training to help me to develop in all aspects.

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

Go for it! It may seem daunting at the time and it can get quite overwhelming but for anyone, no matter their situation, it is a brilliant route and way to become a well-informed, well-rounded, amazing teacher at the same time while earning a salary and learning on the job.

What has been your favourite part of the training?

My favourite part was going to my placement school. Although I have now obtained a job at my employer school where I have been for nearly 10 years and absolutely love, gaining experience in another school was what I needed to develop further. I met new friends, discovered new ways of teaching and doing things and established new ideas of my own.

My confidence grew rapidly as I was able to teach solely, which is something else I enjoyed. Another part of the training I enjoyed was developing a relationship with my mentor and tutor who observed me and watched me grow as a teacher.

I would recommend this course to anyone! It isn't for the faint-hearted - teaching, studying, learning, maintaining a job, earning and for some, still holding down a family, all at the same time. However, when I received my QTS certificate after years of dreaming of being a Primary School Teacher and got offered a job at the school I know and love. I knew this was the best decision I have ever made, it was all worth it!

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)

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