Top 5 tips to help ECTs find the perfect school
Starting your teaching career is an exciting time, full of possibilities. As an Early Career Teacher (ECT), formerly known as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT), your first two years in the classroom are crucial for developing your skills and building confidence.
As you embark upon your career, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right school for you. To help you make this important decision, we have five key tips to help you find the perfect fit. We’ve also included prompts for what to research and ask schools before applying, to help set you up for success.
1. Understand Your Personal Priorities and Values
Before you begin investigating local vacancies, take some time to reflect on your career goals and picture the environment where you see yourself thriving. Do you want to work in a large or small school? Are you drawn to rural or urban areas? Which values are most important to you when it comes to your personal teaching practice?
Remember, being the ‘right fit’ works both ways. You don’t want to spend your ECT years in an environment which doesn’t align with your values.
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is the school’s mission and values statement?
- How do they talk about their community (e.g. pupils and staff) on their website?
- How is collaboration and/or autonomy fostered among teachers?
2. Identify a Strong Induction Offering
While Initial Teacher Training (ITT) will give you a foundation of best practice, your ECT induction period provides a structured bridge to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world classroom setting. A complete induction program will follow the Early Career Framework (ECF). It will give ECTs training, mentoring, and support, helping them gain confidence in behaviour management, delivering the curriculum, and conducting formal assessments.
Passing induction requires the ECT to demonstrate proficiency against the Teachers' Standards. A robust induction programme ensures ECTs receive the guidance and support necessary to meet the Teachers' Standards and progress in their career. Regular progress reviews with induction tutors provide feedback and identify areas for improvement throughout ECT induction period.
3. Seek Out Exceptional Mentoring Programmes
High-quality mentoring is the cornerstone of a successful ECT programme. Look for schools that have structured mentoring programmes with dedicated time for mentors to work with you. The ideal programme should pair you with an experienced mentor who can offer guidance tailored to your specific needs and subject.
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is the structure of the mentoring programme?
- What experience and training do mentors have?
- Is there dedicated time allocated for mentoring?
4. Explore Continuous Professional Development Programmes
Continuous learning is essential for any teacher, especially at the start of your career. Seek out schools that offer high-quality professional development programmes aligned with the ECF. Look for opportunities to develop specific skills, such as leadership, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), or pastoral care.
Key Questions to Ask:
- What specific training opportunities are available for ECTs?
- Are there opportunities to develop within subject specialisms?
- How does the school support ongoing professional learning?
5. Ensure the School Has the Capacity to Support the ECF
While the ECF provides a valuable framework for ECT development, its effectiveness depends on the school's ability to implement it fully. Enquire about staffing capacities, timetabling, and resource allocation to ensure the school can dedicate sufficient time and resources to support your development across the peaks and troughs of the academic year.
Key Questions to Ask:
- What resources are available to support ECT training?
- How does the school manage timetabling to accommodate ECT needs?
- What steps are taken to address capacity constraints?
Making Your Decision
With so many schools to choose from, it’s often difficult to differentiate between the offers. One unique offer which sets Harris Federation schools apart is that they deliver their ECF in conjunction with the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT). The ‘Full Induction Programme’ offered features fully funded and research-led professional learning for ECTs and their mentors.
The programme also features unique elements such as a teacher wellbeing model, self-study resources and specialist sessions and networking opportunities. Read more about Harris Institute’s collaboration with the NIoT, and find out what ECT opportunities could look like within a Harris Federation academy.
Next Steps
Take the time to research your options, visit potential schools, and speak to current ECTs and mentors. Take advantage of recruitment events, such as Harris Federation’s Recruitment Fair, which provide the opportunity to not only discuss ECT jobs and professional development programmes, but also to meet Principals and senior leaders from across the schools.
Remember, finding the perfect fit is about more than just ticking boxes. It's about finding a school that aligns with your values, supports your aspirations, and empowers you to become the best teacher you can be.
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