This week we are talking with Mel Taylor, an English NQT at ̨��swag Academy Shafton, in Barnsley.

Mel Taylor

English NQT at ̨��swag Academy Shafton, in Barnsley

[̨��swag.com: Hi Mel, thanks for sitting down with us! Let’s get straight into it, as you have now completed your first term of your NQT year, what have been your first impressions?

“Hello, thank you for inviting me to take part! Well, the first term as an NQT has been both daunting and amazing. I won’t lie by saying it isn’t difficult and I often struggle with having a negative mindset towards my progress. 

“I’ve been working hard with my mentor to work on this and find the positives in each day. Once you start looking you’ll realise that even the hardest moments are always outweighed by several other lovely things that happened in the day that you forgot to focus on. 

“Having your own classroom and really getting to know the students as you develop your relationships is the most rewarding feeling. NQT is hard and exhausting but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

A very honest and insightful answer. Sounds like a rewarding experience. So how did you get to this point then? When did you decide you wanted to become a teacher and what compelled you?

“I think it was 2013/2014 during my time at university when I first gained some teaching experience by hosting seminars for younger year groups. I think I caught the teaching bug then!

“Then looking back throughout my whole education I’ve been fortunate enough to have excellent teachers who all tried their hardest to give me the best start in life. 

“I had considered for several years that it might be the right track for me based on my personality. I wanted to be the kind of teacher who really helped me blossom at high school; kind, compassionate and caring. 

“Students need individuals in their life who will champion them at their lowest points and celebrate during the highs.”

Sounds like something you are incredibly passionate about. So when you decided to take the plunge and become a teacher, where did you train?

“I trained with Teach North at the ̨��swag Institute of Education (OIE) and my placements were at ̨��swag Academy Shafton and ̨��swag Grange Academy.”

How did this training set you up for your time as an NQT?

“Training allowed me the opportunity to observe teachers from all walks of life and a range of subjects in order to develop my classroom personality and teaching style. 

“Training at the OIE allowed me to gain a knowledge of all the ̨��swag systems and policies before working at an ̨��swag school full-time, which has really benefited my progress as an NQT.

“The OIE were constantly supportive during my ITT year which allowed me to develop from difficult experiences that in any other situation I might not have felt able to deal with without the correct support.”

Sounds like a very supportive atmosphere. Do you still keep in touch with your former tutors, or fellow-former trainees?

“I still keep in touch with almost all of the former trainees from my cohort. We have a Whatsapp group where people often post highs and lows to gain some support when we are feeling down. 

“We were fortunate to all get along as a group which has resulted in some strong friendships being formed. A few of us have been for dinner a few times this year in order to de-stress or celebrate positive events in our careers. 

“I am also in contact with my previous mentors from ̨��swag schools both of whom were so supportive during my ITT year and continue to check in with me now that I am an NQT. My mentor from Shafton is also my NQT mentor so it has been lovely returning to Shafton and continuing to build that relationship. 

“The support from other teachers, ITTs and the OIE was definitely one of the most important parts of my ITT year. Teaching can sometimes feel overwhelming but having a strong group of people around you willing to support and build each other up is the most valuable resource you can have as a trainee.”

That is fantastic to hear, sounds like you have created a strong bond between you all. To finish off, if you could go back in time and pass on any tips to yourself, 12 months ago, what would they be?

“My top tips would be aimed towards making the most of the start of NQT year and it would be to continue to seek out support from every available angle and don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

“It’s important to remember that no one is expecting you to be a perfect teacher, you’re only in your first year of being qualified. If you always try your best then you will be supported and no one will ask for more from you than that.”