Changing lives where you live – Ishaaq’s SCITT journey

It was my teachers who inspired me to become a teacher. They were my role models.

I studied geography at A level and at university I studied law. I chose to become a geography teacher because I'm inspired by how the world around me evolves and how different countries, nations and people collectively work together to improve society.

Teaching allows you to teach subjects that you’re passionate about and inspire your pupils.

Hands on learning

For my teacher training, I chose the SCITT route because it was flexible and it would allow me to work in a classroom environment with pupils, experiencing what it's like to be a teacher.

Training in that environment really helps you to grow and learn alongside the pupils.

Studying is good and you do get an idea about what teaching is like, but you only really understand when you're in a classroom how to facilitate learning and connect with pupils face to face.

The benefit of training while being in a school community is that you really get to know the pupils as well as the different teachers who are there to help you.

Making connections

I'm going to come back to Eastbrook Academy at the end of the year after my second school placement, and that will allow me to really build connections with pupils and see how they're getting on.

At university, because you're not with the pupils throughout the whole year, you may not feel like you're as connected or be able to really help progress their learning to a certain level.

Support on the programme

I chose the Teach First SCITT specifically because of the support that it provides to become a teacher. For example, using learning platforms such as Bright Space, the great resources, weekly mentoring sessions and weekly seminars. The programme really provides support and inspires us.

It’s very organised and it offers insight into what's important in teaching. I’ve spoken to colleagues who also find it very intuitive as it allows us to get into the intricacies of what makes a good teacher.

The support from my mentors helps me to become a great teacher and to understand how to best facilitate learning.

They provide structure on how to teach and the best ways to connect with pupils. And after my lessons, they provide a helpful review on what went well, and what could have been better.

Mentor feedback allows me to understand how to better my teaching – refining my communication techniques while also ensuring that I can maintain my class presence.

At my placement school, everyone wants each other to do well. And if I ever need any help, I can go to the staff room and ask any teacher about what I can do better. And I know I'll get a good response.

Changing lives where you live

Training locally to where I live is important to me because you have a deeper knowledge of how the pupils are.

I went to school around this area. So, I know the culture and the pupils can really connect with me. Having that connection can build different opportunities.

I know a lot of the challenges and opportunities that pupils have here. Growing up in the local area, I found that being able to access youth clubs, after school clubs and local sports teams really allows pupils to have a focus and momentum.

Having a teacher who has grown up here also helps them know what to expect because I went through the same route as them: going through school, living in the same community and really knowing about the different opportunities and what it takes to do well in your studies.

Five years ago, I was studying my A levels and only the other day I had a pupil come up to me and ask how to revise for the exams.

Putting myself in that position, I can understand where they're coming from.

And I can give guidance around what it takes to do good revision, to understand the content and to really be inspired by the subject.

Outstanding training

The intensive training developed by Teach First and delivered by local training partner Barking Abbey was really good. It allowed me to truly understand what it takes to be a good teacher.

It goes through behaviour management and different teaching techniques, and it really helps us as teachers to know what to do when certain situations don't go our way. It teaches us to communicate effectively, facilitate learning and really inspire the pupils.

The training also went over different adaptive teaching techniques and showed us how to adapt our lessons to different pupils.

Not all pupils learn in the same way. Some really love learning from books and note taking, but others need a teacher to visualise the learning. So, it's important for us as teachers to provide visual aids and resources for pupils that need them, while also ensuring that they can enjoy their learning.

Inspiring my pupils

What I love most about teaching geography is showcasing how amazing the world is to my pupils.

As a kid you feel like the world is so small. But there's such a big world out there to explore. A lot of the pupils haven't had the opportunity to go abroad but showing how amazing the world is can still inspire them.

You don’t have to go far to change lives

Train to teach in a school near you and, just like Ishaaq, you can make a real difference in your community.

Apply for our SCITT programme