Nikki's ITT Interview - Biology Teacher

What were you doing prior to teaching?

I was working in a pharmacy, working for Boots dispensing medication to patients. Through Covid I worked in care homes, providing medication to the elderly. I have a Biology degree but Covid hit and I fell into the pharmacy route. Since Covid I realised it was not what I wanted to do. I'd always been advised by friends and family that I'd be a great teacher as I was good at explaining things, weirdly enough I could see myself being a teacher. With my financial situation, I wasn't able to afford to go back to university to do the additional teaching qualifications until I came across the AET Initial Teacher Training route which ticked a lot of boxes. Having a degree made it so easy to get into this route, one year of a training salary, and now, it’s fantastic as I'm earning more. I can see a really good future and a career for myself.

Why did you choose AET?

It was a familiar trust, I had attended Bexleyheath Academy, I knew the teachers and the campus. When I came back I was able to speak to teachers that had taught me when I was a student, they were very open and honest with me, and had said it's a great school to work for. I agree, it is a fantastic school to work for. I'm really pleased I chose AET, with not only my schooling, but my training and being a part of Bexleyheath Academy. Tell me about your ITT journey After the application form there were two interviews, they gave me a topic to teach and present on a video call. I was given the position, and opted for the salary route, as it suited my lifestyle best at the time - I hadn't come straight from university. Everything was split into terms, I knew exactly what I was expecting in each term with weekly training sessions online and new in-person training sessions too. I had a mentor which was always on my case- but in a good way! It's a smooth process as long as you're on top of deadlines and schedule ahead of time, then you'll have no problems. Being a trainee allows you to have a reduced timetable, you have a certain amount of lessons, and between that you have free time to keep on top of everything. My ITT journey was very smooth, deadlines were met and it was such a breeze. I got the support that I needed, from my mentors, department and overall school. I couldn't thank Bexleyheath Academy enough for how well they helped me with my training year, they made something that could be potentially so overwhelming so easy.

What career path do you see yourself having?

After my first year, I'm now the Head of Biology in the school, so I’ve already had a great promotion which I had got before I had even fully qualified. Bexleyheath Academy really saw the potential in me. At the moment, I'm very subject based, so perhaps in the future I might go up but at the moment I'm working on a subject of interest. With the topic I’m familiar with and happy teaching- I have only been doing this for one year, I’m not as experienced as the other teachers in this school, so working at this level right now has made me very content. You never know what happens in the future - but I’ll be open to more possibilities within the school!

What transferable skills did you carry over from your previous work experience to teaching?

I had to deal with the public a lot! I had to develop my communication skills and learn how to deal with stressful environments as I was dealing with a lot of end-of-life medication, so I had to show empathy but be strong in myself. Having the control of my stress levels and keeping a level head has meant I was able to control a classroom in the same way. You can't let students dictate how you’re going to be, you need to have a level head and keep those emotions grounded which is a huge transferable skill.

What do you enjoy the most about teaching?

I enjoy the relationships you build with students, the relationships you build with the students form an important part of teaching. I always want the students to feel comfortable enough to ask those questions in a classroom and not feel afraid to get things wrong- it's okay to get things wrong! I like the feeling of being a mentor to the students. Going through this experience shows me the importance of how other teachers have been a monitor to me, and how it's demonstrated, therefore I can use those skills to be a mentor to students. Having the chance to be that guide, and also to help them to be there for support in life as well.

Where do you see teaching develop over the years?

There's been a massive change through Covid. Looking back at when I was a student at Bexleyheath Academy to teaching now, I can see a lot how both staff and students have been affected by Covid, and especially how the decline of face to face teaching has impacted a student as it was hard to grasp the concept of certain lessons- especially in science, the teaching was limited as experiments couldn’t be done in the classroom. The great thing about being at this school is that all the students get Chromebooks, that means they have access to all our slides at any time. They have all the knowledge at the tips of their fingertips, it's a massive step from when I was at school! They have a huge wealth of knowledge and the accessibility of everything. In the future I can see it becoming more technologically advanced, many other schools don't have what we have, so we might be one step ahead than others but in the future it'll definitely improve.

What would you say to anyone considering a career in teaching?

I would say do it! I'm not comfortable with change, I like to keep everything very similar and the same. But one day I took the risk, applied and thought ‘why not, I've always wanted to, let me give it a go’ and it's been the best decision I’ve ever made.

What advice would you give to future teachers?

The advice I say to future teachers is to think about who you are as a person, if you have that charismatic attitude, that you want to inspire people to want to learn the subject you're passionate about. If you can keep a level head, you’ll definitely need it. And just having a passion for wanting to help others will definitely be the role for you as it's very rewarding but you just have to have great time management. If you have great time management then it'll be the easiest thing ever.

What is your relationship with the students' parents like?

We do parents evening every term where parents can openly discuss any issues. We’re also available through email, I get emails from parents too, if they have any questions or concerns or just want to know anything then they’ll have that ability there. As all students have Chromebooks, they also have access to all of our emails, so they know they can easily get hold of any teachers. You might have to ring home about students who aren't behaving, but it's also nice to call parents about children who are doing exceptionally well. Which encourages them to do even better. There's no barrier with open communication which is lovely.

Anything else?

If you are considering getting into teaching then AET is the best programme that I’ve come across, they were all, especially my mentor, she was such amazing support and was there at any point. Knowing this route, and how my journey went, I would not do any other route. They are very structured, you know what you need to do, there's no blindsiding, open and honest, and when I talk to the others in Bexleyheath that did not take the same route as me, they had more work, and more things to create, unlike AET, who build your portfolio with you, it’s a joint effort so all of the work is not put on me. It’s great that AET promoted working together, unlike other providers that would leave you to do things yourself and not be so easy as the route I went through