Oldham teacher calls for others to join the profession

A national recruitment campaign is coming to Manchester to encourage local people to find out more about life as a teacher.

The session aims to inspire more people in the region to join a unique profession that helps shape the lives of the next generation.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the benefits and rewards of teaching can visit the Train to Teach Question Time event at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel on Wednesday (September 22) from 5pm to 8pm.

As part of the event, visitors will be able to get answers to all their questions about how to get into teaching from a special panel made up of expert advisers, training providers and teachers – including local social sciences teacher Mitchell Scott.

The event is part of a programme of events organised across different towns and cities by the national Get Into Teaching campaign, which provides a comprehensive programme of support to help graduates become teachers.

About 10,000 people attend a series of Train to Teach events every year.

At the latest event, visitors will be able to chat with current teachers and find out what a day in the life of a teacher is really like. 

Information will be also available about the application process and how to fund your training.

Reflecting on his career to date, Mr Scott, a Social Sciences teacher at the Blue Coat School in Oldham, said: “I’m proud to be supporting the campaign and I would encourage anyone who is just starting out in the world of work, or looking to switch jobs, to consider a career in teaching.

“Teaching is such a varied role, from the emotional rewards of making students feel like anything is possible, to using your experience to bring lessons to life - no two days are the same.

"The best part of it for me is having the opportunity to build positive relationships with my students every day.

"Understanding my students' backgrounds and prior experiences helps me understand what factors contribute to making them the individuals they are.

"This helps ensure that I am best placed to help equip each of them with the skills they need to succeed in their academic and personal ambitions.

“I know the impact good teachers can have on a child, not just in terms of academic success but in teaching a child the importance of social skills, promoting resilience, self-worth and confidence.”

Being a teacher means having an impact on students well beyond the classroom years.

In recent research of over 2,000 people for Get into Teaching, two fifths (40%) of adults surveyed in England work in a job or career related to one of their favourite subjects from their time at school, and almost three quarters (74%) of those surveyed who have a favourite subject, said their teachers’ passion for the subject helped spark their interest in it.

Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a National Leader of Education, said: “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that every lesson is helping to shape the life of a young person.

“As well as the immense satisfaction of witnessing students learn and knowing you are influencing who or what they might become, teaching enables you to tap into your talents and passion for a particular subject.

“It also offers some competitive financial rewards and long-term prospects.

“Anyone who feels they have the passion and potential to teach should join us for this Train to Teach event in Manchester.”

The free Train to Teach Question Time event is being held on Wednesday, and registration in advance is advisable, but visitors can turn up and register on the day.

As a teacher you can help create a society where everyone, wherever they live, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, education or age has the opportunity to succeed. 

The Get Into Teaching service has experienced advisers available to give free support and advice. 

To find out more about the range of events being held this term and to register your interest in teaching, visit: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk, or call the Get Into Teaching Line on 0800 389 2500.

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