Teach First is not for everybody. We value highly committed participants who know what they are getting into. As such we want you to be sure that you take into account the pros and cons of the programme before deciding to join us. It saves us time and money, and you heartache and hassle. We recommend you consider the following challenges of Teach First when making your application. Steep learning curve There are few jobs where you will have to learn so much, so quickly, and take on such significant responsibilities from day one. You will need to learn the personalities and life histories of each pupil you work with to be an effective teacher. In some cases, you will have to improve your subject knowledge to be able to lead pupils through the National Curriculum, which may have changed since your school days. And just when you think you have begun to learn how to be an excellent teacher, further intense learning on the leadership development course will begin. If you cannot take having to learn quickly in an ambiguous and fast-changing, sometimes stressful environment, you should consider other options. Behaviour management Each pupil you encounter will have a different background and different personal issues to deal with. While you will learn cutting edge techniques to control classes that will stand you in good stead in any career, there will be difficult conversations and periods where you will need to stand firm and be highly determined. You may have become used to constant success and become easily dispirited by short-term setbacks. Unless you can take a longer-term perspective and patiently help your pupils work through their issues, you may find yourself in difficulties. Workload We would like to say that work life balance will be easy to achieve. But like many high-flying jobs for new graduates, it takes time to learn the job and to get results. While we provide the support and ensure your school workload is reasonable, you will be expected to go over and above normal expectations to help your pupils succeed. In addition it will be your responsibility to keep track of your progress on the additional expectations which Teach First has of our teachers, which other new teachers do not have. If you prefer to have an easier life, are satisfied with average results,  want other people to solve problems for you, or maybe don't want to take on those extra expectations, you may find Teach First too much of a challenge.