CTSN SCITT trainee teacher Alice Thacker shares how the part-time teacher training route worked for her, both as a trainee teacher and as a part-time teacher of Maths in her employing school.
“Before teaching I worked as an LSA. I trained to be a teacher with CTSN SCITT, which offered a part-time maths training route. The opportunity to follow this compressed programme was a major draw to become a teacher, allowing me to balance my family commitments and personal maths studies. During the two-year trainee course, I worked 2.5 days a week each year. In my first year, I completed all the core training and had 1.5 days in school, allowing me to time to get to know the other trainees on my course. In year two, I completed my PGCE studies and spent 2.5 days in my placement school. CTSN SCITT’s personal tutor supported me through my training and helped me gain part-time employment in a local partnership school teaching maths. A few years on, I am now a part-time Deputy Head of Year as well as a maths teacher, so teaching part-time has certainly not limited my promotional prospects.”
What are the personal benefits and challenges for you in working part-time?
“My experience of training part-time has been fantastic, allowing me time to think about all aspects of teaching in depth over the two-years. I currently work 0.8 full-time equivalent (FTE). Having one day off means I can see my children more, and I can attend more personal and professional events and have even started undertaking the NPQ Behaviour and Culture training course. The part-time training route set this journey in motion for me.”
What advice would you have for others considering part-time working?
“Without the opportunity for compressed training, I would not have considered entering the profession. The opportunity to remain part-time has kept me in the profession as both a maths teacher and pastoral leader.”
“Ultimately, the biggest benefit is that I can be a calmer, better teacher, managing my personal life alongside a fulfilling teaching career.”
Learn more about our Part-time routes. If you want to talk to one of recruitment leads about training part-time phone us to arrange a time: Tel: 01223 262503 (extension 223) or Tel 2: 01284 761393 (extension 298) Alternatively you could come along to one of our recruitment events to discuss our flexible options.