If you are interested in teaching plus 14 years olds it is extremely beneficial to gain some experience. During your own college level education the atmosphere is totally different to when you revisit the environment as a trainee teacher.
As I will be soon starting a PGCE in Lifelong Learning I ensured to question my choices by gaining as much knowledge from the current teachers at college alongside many others (which you can read about in my blog post 'Help and Tips for a PGCE in Lifelong Learning').
How ~
The simplest way you can try and gain experience in your chosen teaching sector is by contacting your old schools. Most likely they will be willing for you to volunteer as you are an ex student. If you have contacts with your old teachers this is proven a more successful way to access experience, as you can directly be involved with the subject you are interested in. Also, if you are wanting to gain experience in a sector that you have never been in before, emailing and calling the school would be the first point of call. Once you have explained your intensions, encouraging meeting the teachers before jumping into a volunteering role would strengthen the chances of them accepting you to observe their classrooms.
Why ~
Not only does volunteering before starting your own course in teaching benefit you, as you can have a feel for the atmosphere, style and environment in which that year group or sector is taught. But it works in favour for your course, as you are required to have a placement during your time learning, so this potentially prepares a placement position at the school you chose to volunteer for, as well as giving yourself a kickstart into the sector you will be studying the for next year for a PGCE.
My Experience ~
Back in 2019 before the pandemic I had volunteered at my old college. I knew I needed to gain more experience to make the right choice in the sector I want to peruse my teaching career in before starting my PGCE in September 2022. So alongside my BA degree I contacted my ex college teacher over email; explaining why I wanted to volunteer at their college, my future intentions and my current availability. I soon received a reply and accepted their classroom availability, in which I completed two days observing the photography, fine art and graphics lessons.
Things to remember ~
- Always keep in mind you may not receive instant replies as teachers rarely have free time to respond to emails.
- Be prepared to give up any free time you have, as the school is doing you a favour, so maximising your availability gives you more chances at gaining experience.
- Travel and access. Do not commit to being able to access a school easily. If you rely on public transport maybe suggest to the school you can volunteer in the afternoons, to ensure you are there on time. Also once you are on the premises you need to know how you will be allowed into the school ,so before hand confirming your access with the school is essential to being able to complete your experience.
תגובות