Ready For Take Off In Three, Two, One: 3 Steps To Launching Your Teaching Career

Starting a new job can be daunting: a change in routine, new obstacles to overcome and a fear of the unknown. But with the right mindset and resources, you can turn your feelings of anxiety into excitement. 

Think of your teaching career as an exciting new journey full of opportunities – all you need to succeed is a clear route to follow. This is where we come in. This post will help you map out your journey with Ark Teacher Training by highlighting our career progression path and giving you a clear idea of what you need to do to achieve your dream role. 

Without further ado, let’s kick-start your journey into teaching!

#1 Back to school 

Your first year with us – also known as your Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme year – will consist of a mix of practical and theory, providing the perfect foundation to a long and prosperous teaching career. Our hands-on training will provide you with all the skills and practical experience you’ll need to gain your Qualified Teacher Status and the PGCE qualifications.

Our hands-on approach means you’ll be in the classroom making a difference from your very first day – but don’t be daunted by this. Our network of tutors, programme leaders and experienced teachers are there to offer you the help and support you need to develop into an outstanding teacher with a training programme tailored to fit your needs. Our key programme features include:

• School orientation – Get to know your school, pupils, colleagues, the community and where you’ll be working so you can hit the ground running in September.
• Summer School – Highly-rated by our trainees as a great way to prepare for their first few weeks in school, Summer School brings trainees together for two weeks in August to learn about the programme and educational theory. It also gives them the opportunity to practice, practice and practice before entering the classroom in September!
• Weekly training and coaching – Every week trainees come together for one afternoon of training with their tutor. The training is structured to help you understand the theory that underpins excellent teaching, see great teaching in action and practice new strategies yourself to implement them in the classroom.
• Weekly planning with subject specialists – Work with experienced teachers to develop your planning skills throughout the year. You’ll have the chance to reflect on what you already know about a topic and what steps you can take to develop your subject knowledge further.
• Lesson observations – Every week you will be observed and have a feedback session with your mentor. They work with you to identify a targeted, bite-sized change in your practice that will help you improve the most before the following week’s observation.
• Teaching in another school – You’ll have the opportunity to work in another school in a completely different context to your own. This experience helps you to develop as a teacher by showing you how other schools work and what makes yours unique.

At Ark Teacher Training, we’re on a mission to build a more diverse and inclusive teaching faculty that celebrates our differences. As such, we recognise that everyone is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t cut it. Our ITT programme is designed to help you develop at your own pace, challenging you to reach your full potential without compromising on your well-being.

“Experienced, dedicated leaders, tutors and mentors work together to ensure trainees receive high levels of support from the moment they start training with the partnership. There are well-considered pathways to support trainees’ mental health and well-being. Recent trainees said how very well they were supported. One, typical of many, said of leaders, tutors and mentors, ‘There was never a time when anything was too much or too silly or a personal problem not important. When really needed, they were there.’” Ofsted – 2022

There are several different funding options available for those looking to receive financial support whilst training for this rewarding new career. These include our new Ark Teacher Training Alumni Grant available to former Ark students, government bursaries, student & maintenance loans and scholarships.

#2 Your new career starts here

Unlike many other teacher training programmes, our career-led approach means you’re with us for the long run. Upon the completion of your initial training year, you’ll be invited to join our two-year Early Career Teacher programme where you’ll continue to develop and refine your skills whilst receiving a qualified teacher salary. 

“Teaching is a privilege – being lucky enough to support students through the most important journey of their lives is something that fills me with excitement and happiness.” Jo, Ark Teacher Training Graduate

During your two years on our Early Career Teacher programme, you’ll learn from some of the top teachers and leaders in the profession, unlocking invaluable tips and insights to further your development. Your time will be split between clinics, conferences and self-study modules, complemented by our dedicated in-school mentoring programme, helping you to absorb new knowledge and harness your teaching skills. 

So not only will you continue to receive an unparalleled level of support from our outstanding network of schools, teachers and tutors, you’ll also receive a salary that’s on average 2.5% higher than the national scales – a win-win if you ask us! 

#3 Ark is your oyster 

Our tight-knit network is full of progression and development opportunities – and the only way is up! So whether your goal is to become a dynamic Head of Department or you aspire to lead the way in a senior leadership role, our ever-growing network is the perfect place to accelerate your growth and expand on your career. 

“Teaching is one of the most important jobs in the world; the profession that creates every other profession. We are responsible for changing lives. Your legacy will live on through the positive impact you’ll have made during your time as a teacher. Without a doubt you really are entering the best career in the world, a job with limitless opportunities.” Sarah Mullin MBE, 2022

Some of our recent graduates have now gone on to become the head of their school’s subject department, the literacy lead across a regional hub of primary schools and the Ark Teacher Training Lead in their school, ensuring our next generation of trainees are equipped with all the necessary tools to build a strong foundation that will support their new career!  

Ready to kick-start your journey towards an exciting new career? Apply now for our 2023 programme.