Your first few months as a newly-qualified teacher (NQT) have probably been a blur of marking, lesson planning and managing students.
With your first half term behind you, it’s time to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. But as well as reflecting on your progress, your first foray into the classroom might have highlighted some gaps and unanswered questions: how do I balance my workload? How can I improve relations with my mentor? What’s the best way to get resources?
And no first year is complete without a few faux pas. Jodie Lopez, a former teacher and head of education at Classroom Monitor, explained that as a new teacher she accidentally signed up to lead an afterschool club after falling asleep in a meeting. Another former teacher Dave Peck recalls sitting in the lunch hall and dunking his tie in custard not once, but twice.
So, to help you fill in the blanks and share some of your first term triumphs and disasters we’re running an NQT surgery. We have gathered together a panel of experts who will be on hand on Wednesday 11 November from 5.30pm to 7.30pm to answer your questions on everything from classroom management to getting that ever illusive work-life balance. Taking part is totally free – you just need to post your questions in the comments section below. The thread is open now, so if you have any burning questions feel free to post them below and our panel will answer them when they’re online.
Our panel
Lisa Pettifer is an English teacher and has been teaching for 25 years. She has been involved in initial teacher training and NQT mentoring throughout her career, and is now a teaching school coordinator. She tweets @Lisa7Pettifer.
James Williams is a lecturer in education at the University of Sussex. He entered teaching in 1997 and taught science in secondary schools for 12 years. He was awarded chartered science teacher status (CSciTeach) in September 2008 and is an expert on NQT induction. He tweets @edujdw.
Gail Abbitt is a former broadcast journalist and television researcher. She has been a teacher for 14 years and spent most of her career in New Zealand. In recent years she has worked as a specialist classroom teacher supporting teachers, student teachers and NQTs both in and outside the classroom. She tweets @gailabbitt.
Darren Marklew has just left teaching after 20 years. He has been an NQT mentor, worked with Teach First and been a headteacher for 10 years. He recently worked as vice principal, with responsibility for all new staff and continued professional development at Portland Aldridge community academy.
Jill Berry is an educational consultant who taught for 30 years in six schools across the state and independent sector. For the last 10 of those years she was a headteacher. She’s been completing a professional doctorate in education since 2010, researching the transition from deputy headship to headship, and spends a disproportionate amount of time engaging with the education community on Twitter. She tweets @jillberry102.
Emma Walker has just completed her NQT year at a primary school in north Manchester, where she taught reception. In her training year she taught year 6 and key stage 3 for her second placement. She also teaches at a performing arts school on a Saturday morning.
Liz Williams is a consultant with a specialism in special educational needs and disabilities as well as behaviour management, policies and practices. She runs an independent consultancy providing bespoke services to schools and nurseries. She is experienced in offering support to all members of school communities, including newly qualified teachers. She tweets @lizewil.
Andrew Foster is head of performance and learning at Colfe’s school in London. He was the lead teacher on the Tougher Minds at Colfe’s programme, winning the 2014 independent schools award for education initiative of the year. He tweets @AFosterTeach.
Jonny Davies is a primary school teacher and literacy consultant for Pobble. He has taught in schools throughout the UK, but predominantly in the north of England, where he works closely with with teachers and school leaders to improve teaching a learning across the primary age range. His role often includes working with NQT’s, offering teaching support and guidance. He tweets @jonnypobble.
