We recently interviewed Michaella Sutcliffe, one of our student teachers, specialising in secondary maths through the Teacher Apprenticeship. Find out why she chose this route into teaching, how the programme helped her develop her skills, her favourite part of the programme and more!

What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching? 

Teaching has always been a passion of mine, due to the impact it can have on young people's lives. I was inspired by my own teachers, who supported me with confidence, resilience that I could achieve. Seeing the difference a supportive teacher can have sparked my interest in the profession. I want to create the same environment for students.

What route did you take into teaching, and why did you choose it? 

I chose the Teacher Apprenticeship because it allowed me to continue to gain hands-on experience in the classroom whilst earning a qualification. Previously being in a school environment for 5 years allowed me to balance my experience and learning, ensuring I can develop the skills needed to become an effective educator.

How has the Teacher Apprenticeship helped you develop your skills? 

The Teacher Apprenticeship has been instrumental in my professional development. Being in the classroom from the outset has allowed me to refine my classroom management techniques, develop lesson planning strategies and adapt my teaching to meet the needs of my students. Regular mentor meetings and professional development training have given me the tools to reflect on my practice and to improve my skills as I go. It has allowed me to grow in confidence.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting a Teacher Apprenticeship? 

If you are considering the Teacher Apprenticeship, my advice would be to embrace the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It's challenging and yet rewarding. Be proactive in seeking feedback and take advantage of the mentorship opportunities. The Teacher Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills in the real world, so make the most out of every lesson, observation and training session.

What has been your favourite part of the training, and why? 

The most rewarding aspect is the chance to build relationships with my students and see them progress through the academic year. When a student grasps a concept they have previously struggled with, it puts a big smile on my face. Being able to experience this first-hand and see that I'm making a difference is rewarding.

I would highly recommend the Teacher Apprenticeship to anyone eager to make an impact in the classroom while developing their skills in a supportive and practical environment.

Looking for more information?

Find out more about the routes into teaching here.

If you would like any more information on our Initial Teacher Training or the Teacher Apprenticeship, get in contact with our friendly team: 

 Email: teach@bestpracticenet.co.uk

 Tel: +44 (0) 117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)