Funnily enough, I have always known that I wanted to become a teacher. Encouraged by my Geography teacher in 2016 I finished high school in Slovakia, moved back to the UK and started my Geography BSc at the University of Bristol. The next three years flew by, a whirlwind of lectures, seminars, field work trips and the odd strike. By the end of my time at Bristol I was craving routine and the chance to get stuck into a job that would offer me a new challenge.

Luckily, I found an advert for a learning support assistant in a local secondary school and took my chances. I knew that this job would be perfect, it would allow time to build my confidence in a secondary school setting as a member of staff and be the first big step toward becoming a geography teacher. My time as an LSA was invaluable, I was surrounded by a wonderful team and got to experience teaching from an alternative perspective. As a TA, I worked with students of all abilities and began to understand the most effective ways in which to encourage learning for all students. If you get the opportunity, I would recommend working as a TA or gaining as much experience working with young people as possible, this experience made sure I was best prepared for the challenging year ahead. I was going into my teacher training year as ready as I would ever be!  

I was attracted to the GUTP as It was the route chosen by many of the teachers I had worked alongside. The GUTP works with schools local to me, in South Northants, and provides trainees with the chance to get stuck into teaching right away. After attending one evening introductory session, I applied to the GUTP and have never looked back! The wonderful people at the GUTP ensure that you feel supported through every stage of the process. In the early days of the application process, it is easy to feel lost with the documentation and different forms to complete but the GUTP staff were so helpful in pointing me in the right direction. If you are thinking of applying, I would recommend getting in touch with the GUTP recruitment team as I am sure they would be happy to talk you through the application process.  

My life at the moment as a new associate teacher is busy but I am enjoying this new journey. As well as our teaching timetables, our days are dotted with lectures and workshops. These have been very useful in helping us link our teaching practice to academic study and also as a chance for us to meet other ATs. I have made some new friends through the GUTP and I am sure they will be a great source of support throughout this training year and in years to come. 

I would recommend the GUTP to anyone who is looking to start teacher training. It is great to know that you are able to make a difference to schools in your local area and follow in the footsteps of many great teachers who have previously trained with the GUTP.

November 2020