Old Hack

Dear Student Teacher,

​Upon hearing I was working with you, I felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, the thought of relinquishing control made my skin itch. The last time this happened, it didn't go well. But conversely, I was also dreadfully excited. I've always wanted to work with a Teaching Student, and here's why...

Throughout my own teaching years, I have always felt there's too much emphasis placed on the false link between experience and success. While I don't doubt that there is a strong relationship between the 2, I've despised the reliance people place on them as 2 constantly functioning qualities; just because "you've been doing this a long time', it doesn't mean you're any good at it (you're just outstanding at getting away with it). Equally, just because "you're new", it doesn't mean you have less to offer.

In fact, I believe the exact opposite. You have the most to offer.

Fresh out of training; the newest policies, the latest research, most modern language... My reasoning writes itself. Although I don't believe in persistently jumping ship in order to be up-to-date, there is great validity in everything you're taught, and everything is worth a shot. It's vital for those of us no longer in training, to observe new strategies from professional think-tanks - your training provider and the like. Yes, we could hear the ideology of it, from a course with a good lunch. But we could also observe it within our own classrooms, with you as the Course Leader! We can discuss, share, debate (rather than leaving at 2.45pm "if we work through the afternoon tea break"). 

• When you first entered my classroom and read to my children, I was impressed. Your energy was stratospheric and the way you told the story grabbed their attention immediately.
• The fearlessness you showed with practical work also caught me by surprise. My own research dissertation was all about the impact of teacher confidence on pupil attainment and I was somewhat envious of your courage.
• I appreciated your keen ideas regarding presentation of work, assessment techniques and exciting ways to conduct learning; in many ways, I feel I need to rekindle much of that myself.
• You had a sharp eye on my pupils' performance, with the will to find a solution as soon as possible. I'd say the same about your subject knowledge too.

Yes, there is still lots to learn - we all have lots to learn - but all of your future experience means nothing without the enthusiasm, passion and hard work you exhibited. You're charismatic, a great role-model for the children and brimming with ideas. You came into my classroom and got to know each learner individually. You helped them learn new concepts, identified difficulties and addressed the gaps. Those are skills your training won't ever teach you. Those are skills that make your future experience valuable.

Thank you for launching yourself into teaching; you're a hero. I learnt a lot from you, and I hope you got something from the experience too! Congratulations on securing yourself a job; they're very lucky to have you.

Light and life,
​Mr. N.