Tough Young Teachers

I studied for four years at uni to become a teacher undertaking three extended teaching practices in different schools. When I got my first job it was still hard going but at least I had theory and practice to draw on. Once again this programme highlights the fact that just because you like your subject and are good at it, you can't necessarily teach. It's a tough job and not for the faint hearted or the do- gooders. As these trainees have discovered, the children aren't grateful. You have to make them want to learn.

I haven't watched this yet but am hoping to do so later. DD is halfway through a pgce in English and she told me to look out for it. I admire anyone brave enough to enter the teaching profession, I know I couldn't do it.

I think most teachers deserve a medal they are doing something I could never do I shall be watching this programme later.

Found this very interesting in the way the new teachers dealt with the challenge of teaching after a much too short training period.----but, SO GLAD I'm now retired!

It is always hard to tell with these heavily edited programmes, but what worried me was how little they seemed to have in terms of classroom management strategies. I would have expected their mentors to have worked with them on tightly planned lessons, but far too much time was being wasted on dealing with the behaviour of individuals in front of the whole class. We had a vague nod to the learning objective, but I wasn't convinced that there was enough focus on what would have been learnt by the end of the lesson and how they were going to get there. I was particularly worried about the one who was picked out as a "cause for concern", in the trailer for next week.
I used to monitor a graduate teacher training programme, but it was much better "scaffolded" than this one appeared to be.
What did you think, Penstemmon?

I agree re editing but thought the 'handy hints' casually passed on by a Deputy to the young Charterhouse lad on how to monitor lunch times was derisory!

I do think that learning about learning is important. You cannot just do what you think your teachers did!

Many of these young teachers were obviously motivated school students..not sure if any had met peers who would have been like Caleb who was so disaffected and lacking in so many social/self perception etc skills!

i do think they appear to have been thrown in to sink or swim! Not good for them or the pupils.

The programme brought back memories - I had a "baptism of fire " too.
At the time I was reading "The Rainbow" and it was like Ursula's experience.
I persevered, and improved a bit, or they just got used to me. But I was never a good class teacher, not many people are. Small groups, one to one much better.
I hope the young people in the programme get something out of the experience, I believe one or two decided teaching wasn't for them.
I thought class sizes in some cases were far too big.
Anyway, the series should open the eyes of the public who are too quick to blame teachers for everything.