From events to education – why Ellen changed careers to teach
Ellen has taken the leap from organising events in the wine industry to teaching geography through our School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme at The Ravensbourne School, in London.
As a mother of two, she wanted a route into teaching that was practical, local and purposeful – and a role where she could make a real difference to children’s lives.
Here, Ellen tells us her story.
My name is Ellen. I’m a geography SCITT trainee teacher at The Ravensbourne School, which is part of the Orion Education Academy group.
I signed up to the Teach First SCITT programme rather than taking the university route because I wanted something that was local to me. I'm a mother of two. So, the distance to the school was important, as well as understanding the area, the team, and who I was going to be working with.
The importance of support
During my interview, I was drawn to the structures and the offering – the support and the experience of the teachers who were going to guide me through this course.
I was interviewed directly by the course provider, and I knew who my mentor was going to be because I met them on the day. For me, it was important to feel part of the team and to know what I was going into. Since starting the course, that decision has been reinforced.
I've felt part of the team and the school from day one.
Training locally
To me, it's important to train locally. As a mother, it's interesting and exciting for me to understand more about the local schools. I'm interested in understanding how children can develop locally, and what the different schools have to offer. The journey time and understanding where I was going was also really important.
Feeling supported
The support has been fantastic! At my school, we have a lead mentor and a mentor. The lead mentor stays with you throughout the year. You meet your other mentor at your second placement, which is called a broader school placement.
The mentors and school team have been fantastic. And as senior team members, they've got a wealth of teaching experience to pass on.
Changing careers
I used to work in the wine industry organising events.
I wanted to change to a career in teaching to find a job with impact.
I also wanted to give back to the community and learn more about children and their development. When you're teaching, you really do feel that you're making an impact to children's lives. You're teaching them, you're a mentor and you're a role model – and that's something that I'm really enjoying being part of.
Looking to teach in your local community?
Like Ellen, you could join a programme that’s local to you, well-supported and rooted in community impact.