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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