Help. I’m an Early Career Teacher not sure if I’ll make QTS

Worried you won’t make it to Qualified Teacher Status?

Over the past 3 Mondays, I have shared posts about the 3 stages of transition for ECT to QTS liking it to the analogy of learning to drive.

But let’s face it. Not everyone passes their driving test – and even less pass their driving test first time.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that there is also an alternative stage that some ECTs face.

The Alternative Stage

This comes in 2 main scenarios:

  1. I want to be a teacher but am struggling to the extent I might not pass induction.
  2. I have big doubts about being a teacher; it’s not what I want to do.

If you are really struggling but are committed to becoming a teacher, the first thing to do is get help. Speak to a line manager and/or your mentor. If you are feeling supported, it is worth raising this professionally with leadership but do be realistic in your expectations and reflective in what you are doing to meet standards.

If your expectations are realistic but you believe targets are unfair, your union can help mediate or provide advice and guidance.

If you have doubts about whether you want to be a teacher, making the decision that the role isn’t for you does not make you a failure – let me, as a former headteacher, dispel that niggle in your head right now.

Teaching is not for everyone.

A career path is a choice – even if you have already started down a particular road, it does not mean you have to travel to the bitter end. And the end will be very bitter if you force yourself through another 45 years to “save face” all because you completed a few years training.

Your training will not be wasted – it’s transferable knowledge and skills. So, if you really don’t feel you are on the right career path, change direction – and change direction soon!

If you are stuck not knowing which direction to head with your career, Mapleleaf Vision career coaching is designed to help you find the right path.

Book a free career consultation to learn more about how coaching offers you options so that you can move forward in a career you love.

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Professional


I first worked with Will whilst I was a junior member of a teaching team. I worked closely with him for around three years and he became a true mentor to me. During this time Will helped encourage me to discover my own leadership style and he mapped out what it takes to be successful. I highly recommend Will for life and career coaching.

Will is a professional, natural leader who manages to make you feel at ease. He manages to be both emphatic and encouraging, whilst also managing to challenge you to find your own answers. Will’s approach is totally non-judgmental and the sessions are really focused on you and on what you want to achieve. Working with Will has allowed me to address challenges I was facing and he brought a wealth of resources and practical tools to help me set goals, clarify my values, and explore avenues right away. Even though I left teaching 5 years ago, I still seek out Will for his help and guidance and I appreciate his versatility as a thought partner, ally, and coach. Our sessions are always productive and efficiently run, which is perfect for someone who is juggling many priorities! Will brings great communication, professionalism and quality to his work and I highly recommend him as a life/business coach.
- Jamie T (Leadership Coaching)

Highly recommended


I am so glad I found Mapleleaf Vision! Will has been super supportive and understood exactly what I needed to help me to redirect my focus. I now have fresh enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
- Greg M (Life Coaching)

Friendly


Will at Mapleleaf vision fitted me in for a last minute decision-making session that I needed to make ASAP re. a job offer / career change. He was friendly, professional, and really knew his stuff! He unpicked things that I could never have done on my own. I’m so grateful to him & will be highly recommending him to everyone! Where there is a ‘Will’, there’s a way! Thank you, Will. You truly have a gift.
- Cat K (Career Coaching)