Portsmouth's trainee teachers unite to inspire next generation at event
Early career teachers and trainees joined forces at Central Library on Tuesday 7 November to share their top tips for starting a career in the classroom.
Teacher training providers in Portsmouth came together to showcase routes into the profession at a Love to Teach information event, designed to raise awareness about what options are available in the city. The event acted as an important first step for someone interested in joining the sector but might not know where to start.
Alongside teacher training providers, the National Careers Service gave a presentation on tuition fees, loans and bursaries that are available for those wishing to start training. Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"Working in education is one of the most rewarding careers out there, as you inspire young minds to become the best versions of themselves. It's also important that we encourage the right people into the profession who have the resilience when challenged in the job.
"By doing this at an earlier stage, we can provide people with the right information, at the right time, before they apply."
Councillor Suzy Horton
Attendees also heard from trainee and early career teachers who shared their experiences from primary, secondary and post-16 training.
Lena Garner who trained with Portsmouth Primary SCITT and is now a second-year early career teacher at Cottage Grove Primary School shared her experience with attendees. Lena said:
"It was fantastic to be able to share information about my journey into teaching as everyone's experience will be different. I started off as a teaching assistant in a local school and wanted to become a teacher. I found it quite challenging to navigate what type of provider I should choose.
"I wish this type of event existed when I was looking at my options as it would have been so useful to speak with providers in one place. If you've considered becoming a teacher – just do it!"
Lena Garner
Callum Murphy