Teach First
By David Fosu
For many people the idea is to do three years of a law degree, then the LPC or BVC and then hopefully obtain a training contract at a law firm. However, many graduates have been increasingly considering whether teaching could be the ideal career for them. Teach First is an innovative movement which encourages graduates from the best universities to unleash their talents in schools throughout the country. The mission of Teach First is to address educational disadvantage and bring into schools exceptional teachers who can make that change which is needed. According to Teach First statistics show the following:
- In 2008, one in five 11-year-olds did not reach the expected level in their English
- Pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals (the key indicator of poverty in schools) have roughly half the chance of getting 5 A*-C GCSE than those not eligible for Free School Meals.
- In 2007, all 19-year-old pupils with professional parents were twice as likely to be in further education, higher education or training, than their peers' parents who were unemployed or working in routine occupations. (DCSF, 2008)
The statistics show a very worrying trend however, Teach First believe that one thing can change this: ÒExcellent Teachers and Excellent LeadershipÓ. Many pupils who fail to achieve their potential tends to be purely based on them not having an adequate role model. Students become inspired and invigorated when pushed and under the leadership of strong positive role models. The aim of Teach First is to put top graduates in to tough schools to help and inspire students to achieve their very best. The following are the core ethos of the Teach first movement:
- Recruits, trains, places and supports 500-600 exceptional teachers per year who can make a real difference in the most challenged secondary schools throughout London, the North West, Yorkshire, and the East and West Midlands.
- Aims to build a new generation of leaders committed to advancing education, inside or outside of the classroom, through the Teach First Ambassador movement.
The long term aim of the movement is to build and create world leaders who will be able to use the skills they have obtained to make a real change nationally. Teach First is rewarding, stimulating and challenging and will certainly enhance any CV. So, why not consider Teach First as you first career move.
I have personally benefited from this movement; I can unequivocally say that it's an excellent movement. The graduates are very interested in making a difference and are clearly enthusiastic about the subjects that they teach. What do you think? Do you think it's worth doing? Well, have a look below at the interview I conducted with a Teach First graduate.
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