From lectures to lessons: teacher training straight from university

Isabel graduated from university during the summer, and in September decided to jump straight into teacher training. 

“Starting right after graduating felt daunting, but I was excited to work with children again. Coming straight from my degree meant my subject knowledge was fresh and I maintained a learner’s mindset. This has been invaluable, especially in the PGCE elements of training.”   

Isabel has brought many skills from her degree into her training. She said: “Being a science teacher trainee, practical skills I learnt in the lab at university are easily applied to classroom experiments and have helped me deliver practical lessons safely.” 

She added: “I think the most important skill I have used in my training has been the ability to plan and meet deadlines.” 

Delving into the transition from student to teacher, Isabel said: “It was a big change going from university where most of my time was self-directed, to teaching, where your days are highly structured with greater responsibility. Initially, it was challenging but with the support around me I quickly adjusted and settled in.” 

She added: “The structure has made me much more productive, and I already feel a greater sense of purpose working in a school.” 

On managing work-life balance, Isabel explained: “Creating to-do lists and planning tasks for the week helps me utilise every hour of the school day productively. This means very little work comes home with me, so I can spend my evenings and weekends doing other things I enjoy.”. 

Speaking on why she opted for school-based training rather than the university-led route, Isabel said: “You spend most of your time in the classroom, either teaching or observing, from the very beginning. You get to learn quickly and grow in confidence.” 

She added: “You also get to work in one school placement for most of the academic year, which means you can build stronger relationships with your students and fully integrate into the school’s community.” 

Leaving advice to fellow graduates wanting to teach, she said: “Don’t delay becoming a teacher because you are worried about not having enough experience. A lot of the skills you learn at university are very transferable. Be organised and be kind to yourself – one bad lesson doesn’t make you a bad teacher.”  

Isabel’s experience shows that there are so many good reasons to start teacher training straight after university. If you want to follow in her footsteps, find out how to apply.