Train to Teach Personal Stories

We love to share the personal stories of our trainee teachers to inform and encourage others to get into teaching. Below, we share the stories of three of our recent trainees.

You can also find more personal stories on the Trinity Institute of Education website.

Teaching MFL: Faith Eccles

"Before embarking on a career in teaching, I completed an undergraduate degree in Modern Foreign Languages at The University of Sheffield and after four years of study I found myself unsure of where to go next. Thanks to the COVID chaos, my plans of moving on to do event management were stopped in their tracks. It wasn’t until a family member, who also works in education, suggested doing a PGCE that I began to consider the possibility of going into teaching. At the time it seemed like a sensible Plan B. However, less than twelve months later I now couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.

I’ve now spent time in two different schools, and I’m had my fair share of highs and lows along the way. Having said that, the highs definitely outweigh the lows! One of my favourite things about teaching is being able to see a student have that light-bulb moment when something finally clicks and starts to make sense. I had one of these moments during my first placement when, after months of battling to get the bare minimum participation out of one particular student, the last day before the Christmas holiday and said “y’know what Miss, French is alright”. It doesn’t sound like much, but I’ll always remember that as being one of my first big classroom wins.

I’ve never been the sort of person to shy away from a challenge, and it’s fair to say this past academic year has had plenty of challenges. However, with the support from the Calderdale & Kirklees School Direct, I’ve discovered a real passion for teaching – something I never expected to end up doing! I look forward to further contributing to the world of education as I develop my practise and hopefully inspire young people to love languages as much as I do."

Faith's 5 reasons to teach MFL:

You get to listen to, speak and share a love of the languages you are so passionate about.
There is job security and satisfaction as well as opportunities for career progession.
Having a language opens doors as more qualifications are available for language learners.
You can bring the cultures alive of the languages you teach. You can inspire a love of language and travel.
You are in demand! The UK want our students to have more language quslifications so we need more MFL teachers.

Teaching History: Sam Jennings

"My Initial Teacher Training began in September 2022 and ended in June 2023. It has been an invaluable experience. I have made notable strides as a teacher and progressed as a person. Every lesson has brought new and exciting opportunities and I look forward to having the chance to share my passion for History with students each day. I studied History at GCSE, A-Level, undergraduate and postgraduate level. However, I have learnt an abundance of exciting histories this year, such as the history of migration throughout the world, a topic I had not had the opportunity to study previously.

During my ITT, I have learned effective ways to develop positive relationships with the students and how to contribute to wider professional responsibilities. This year, I have got involved in extra-curricular activities such as football clubs which I have really enjoyed. I have also visited the Imperial War Museum in Salford which was a fantastic opportunity to enrich students’ learning and understanding outside of the classroom. I have also had the opportunity to observe other practitioners and taken onboard their advice and guidance to better my practice. I have been placed at three schools and I have built lasting relationships with other practitioners, both in Humanities Departments and other faculties. They are all welcoming and supportive and willing to offer guidance at all stages of learning for ITT’s.

The Share Multi-Academy Trust promises to value people and support personal best. I have felt incredibly supported and have been presented with lots of opportunities to develop my practice, build positive and lasting friendships with staff and immerse myself in school life. The aspect I have enjoyed the most about this year is that as a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to shape lives with every lesson. History provides students with a strong understanding about the past and the tools needed to forge a positive and successful future."

Sam's 5 reasons to teach History:

You can share your passion for History every day and ignite a lifelong curiosity for the past.
You can teach topics you love and become an expert in exciting and intricate new histories every term.
You have the opportunity to better understand your own heritage and others, as well as the diversity of our communities and the process of change.
History teachers have a unique opportunity to educate students about the past whilst shaping their futures.
Every lesson is different and students always bring intriguing interpretations about historical figures, events and periods.

Teaching Geography: Sophie Harris

''Geography is everywhere. From the global climate crisis to the rebranding and regeneration efforts of your local town, there is especially no subject more poignant today than Geography. It is a constantly evolving subject that continually reflects the world around us and the world that our students are growing up in. To have the ability to inspire students to protect and care for our dynamic planet is vital to its survival, which is something that begins in the classroom. It is an extremely varied subject in which students can engage with cultures, issues and processes from every corner of the world.

If you’re worried that there may be too much to cover that your subject knowledge doesn’t currently cater for, don’t be! The level of support you will receive throughout your training will ensure that you are well prepared for the adventure ahead with plenty of opportunity to enhance your subject knowledge along the way. To teach Geography is to be rewarded everyday with no two days being the same! Watching students become proficient in a subject you’re passionate about and having the opportunity to astound them every day through your expertise and guidance is immensely valuable not only for them, but for you too."

Sophie's 5 reasons to teach Geography:

Our students need to learn about the world they live in.
Geography as a subject constantly evolves - as the world changes so does what we teach.
As teachers, we can inspire future generations to look after our planet and to understand every corner of the world.
You are well supported throughout your career to always achieve your personal best.
Every day is rewarding and no day is the same.