Katelyn always knew she wanted to become a teacher. After gaining valuable classroom experience in both primary and secondary settings, she took the next step into teacher training to pursue a career in Biology teaching. In this case study, Katelyn shares her journey so far, from building confidence in the classroom to discovering the impact of supportive training and hands-on experience.

Can you tell us a bit about your background before starting teacher training? 

Throughout my life, school and learning have always been things I enjoyed. From an early age, I knew my passion and future career aspiration was to become an educator. By the time I reached sixth form, I had developed a strong interest in Biology and Psychology.

After school, I went on to study at the University of Northampton, where I completed a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Education. Following this, I worked as a 1-1 Teaching Assistant in a Primary school before progressing to an HLTA role in a secondary school. I felt it was important to gain this experience before beginning my teacher training, as it helped me to build strong foundations for my journey. After these roles, I felt ready to take the leap and apply for teacher training.

What inspired you to become a science teacher, and why biology in particular? 

It was my own science teachers who inspired me to become one myself. They were always so supportive and engaging, and they sparked interest in the world of science. As I began to understand how broad science is, and how closely it links to psychology- how we think, grow and behave –I realised I wanted to combine my knowledge and passion for both subjects. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a biology teacher.

Why did you choose Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training? 

The main reason I chose Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training was that it allowed me to learn and train while being placed in a school. I was also drawn to the structure of the programme, as it enables you to start gradually and build your confidence, rather than being thrown in at the deep end.

The financial support from the government was another key factor; without the bursary, I would have struggled to support myself financially. I knew I had made the right decision when everything fell into place- I would not change a thing.

What aspects of the training were most helpful in building your confidence as a teacher? 

The most helpful parts of my training so far have been the ITAP weeks. They have allowed me to learn, engage with, and implement specific teaching strategies, such as routines and questioning. Having the time to fully understand the rationale and research behind these strategies, and then practise them through deliberate practice, has been incredibly valuable. It has allowed me to refine my approach before applying it in the classroom. The progress I have made during these weeks has been significant.

How did your placements at two contrasting schools help you develop your teaching skills? 

Both of my placement schools have provided valuable learning experiences, and I feel that I have progressed greatly because of them. My main placement school gave me a strong foundation to begin building my skill set, and I learned a great deal there. I thoroughly enjoyed my second placement, as it allowed me to showcase what I had learned and apply it in a completely new environment. It showed me that I was capable of adapting my knowledge and teaching approach to different cohorts and settings.

Experiencing contrasting schools also highlighted how varied school environments can be, and how vital it is to find a school that aligns with your teaching style, needs and preferences when looking for jobs.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a science teacher? 

Do it. Take your passion and pour it into your teaching, I promise that you will not regret it. Yes, there are challenging times, and moments when it feels overwhelming. However, the moments of engagement, the ‘lightbulb’ moments and the overall sense of reward far outweigh those. Commit to it wholeheartedly and never forget why you started.

What would you say to someone considering BPN for their teacher training? 

The training I have received from BPN has been fantastic. The structure of the course, the resources provided, the online platform used to log your evidence, and the expert staff are all exceptional. I have particularly enjoyed having the centre-based sessions being delivered online, as they allow me to learn from the comfort of my own home.

While you may not meet most of your cohort or the experts in person, they truly become like a family. The support, guidance and knowledge shared is outstanding. A special mention to Holly Kirkbride, the Science Lead!

What has been your proudest teaching moment so far? 

My proudest moment so far has been getting to this point. Every day, I find myself thinking, ‘Is this real life? Have I really made it here- am I really a teacher? My hard work has paid off, and I remind myself of that whenever I begin to doubt myself. Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career, and seeing a student succeed- no matter how big or small the achievement- is what continues to make me proud, not only of myself, but of them as well.