We caught up with Modern Foreign Languages ECT Demi who tells us about her journey with United Teaching.

What did you do before starting your teacher training?

I studied Spanish and French at University before applying to train to teach.

Why did you choose United Teaching for your teacher training?

My friend highly recommended United Teaching as she was on the programme the year before. Her feedback surrounding the level of support you would receive both for subject development and wellbeing made United Teaching stand out to me. I was so happy when I was accepted and placed in the school I had hoped for.

How did you find your training experience?

I loved it! It was intense as I was training during the 2020/21 academic year and experienced both face to face and online teaching. Choosing the school led route was brilliant for me as I had hands on experience right from the start. It was important that I was able to implement the theory into practice in my classes and great to be able to develop excellent working relationships with my students as I worked with them from September until July.

What are you doing now? 

I am now in my first year as an ECT (Early Career Teacher). In the school I trained in. My timetable has increased but I still can work with a mentor and have a reduced timetable. My ambition is to become a Head of Modern Foreign Languages and I know when I am ready my school will give me the opportunity to train for this role. There has always been a culture of continuous professional development in the school.

What advice would you give to potential trainees?

Top tip:  Ask for help! It’s something that the team at United Teaching continuously repeated throughout the training year and beyond. Charlie Mackesy summed it up beautifully in his book: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, '"What is the bravest thing you've ever said?" asked the boy. "Help", said the Horse.'