When starting a new job as an ECT teacher, there are many things to consider. You may be feeling excited and overwhelmed at the same time! This is completely normal. It is important to take the time to get settled into your new position and learn everything you can about your new school and students. In this article, we will discuss 10 things that every new ECT teacher should think about when they get started in their new schools!
Connect with your Mentor
Starting your first year of teaching can be both exciting and daunting. There are so many things to think about and learn, and it can be difficult to know where to start. One of the most important things you can do is to connect with your mentor. As an ECT teacher, your mentor will be your first point of contact at school and will play a key role in helping you to settle in and feel confident in your new role.
They will observe your teaching and provide feedback on how you can improve. They will also be there to support you through both the good and the bad times. So take the time to get to know them and build a strong relationship from the start. It will make all the difference to your first year of teaching.
Research the catchment of your school
As an ECT teacher, it is essential to research the catchment of your school. By doing this you will be able to learn about the types of students who will be in your class. For example, you will be able to find out about the ethnicity of the students and what type of area the school is in.
This information is important as it will help you prepare for the students who will be in your class. In addition, by researching the catchment of the school you will also be able to find out about the types of children that will be in your class. This information is important as it will help you prepare for the children that will be in your class.
Furthermore, by researching the catchment of the school you will also be able to find out about the types of families that are in the catchment area. This information is important as it will help you understand the families that you will be working with.
Look at the yearly planning overview
As an ECT teacher, it is essential to take a look at the yearly planning overview to be aware of what needs to be taught throughout the year. By getting ahead with your planning, you can provide the best lessons possible for your class.
New teachers often make the mistake of thinking that they only need to focus on the current week or month, but by looking at the big picture, you will be able to anticipate upcoming topics and plan accordingly. This will also allow you to see where there may be gaps in your knowledge and plan accordingly.
In addition, by being aware of the yearly overview, you will be able to better support your students as they progress through the year.
Read the policies
Any new job comes with its own set of policies and procedures that need to be followed. This can be overwhelming, especially if you’re starting your first year of teaching.
However, it’s important to take the time to read and understand all the policies of the school you’re joining. This includes the behaviour management policy, how parents are communicated with, and the absence policy. All of these policies will have an impact on your first year, and by understanding them from the outset, you’ll be in a better position to be a successful teacher.
By taking the time to read through all the policies and procedures, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful first year of teaching.
Prep your classroom
Getting your classroom ready is one of the big stresses that teachers have at the start of the year. Refreshing the displays from the year before and making sure that the classroom starts a new year not looking so tired. As a new teacher, you need to be able to go into a classroom and take control. Make sure that you have everything sorted out as quickly as possible before the children come into school. That will take the stress out of the situation.
Meet your year partner (if you have one)
In your first year of teaching, it’s important to meet your year partner (or partners, if you’re lucky enough to work in a school with multiple classes per year group). Having someone to share the workload with can take a lot of pressure off, especially during your ECT (early childhood teaching) year.
Most schools will have two teachers per year group, but some may have four or six. Splitting the responsibilities evenly between all the teachers can make a big difference in terms of workload. Plus, it’s always helpful to have someone to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with.
So if you can, make an effort to get to know your year partner (or partners) and form a good working relationship with them. It’ll make your first year of teaching that much more enjoyable.
FAQ
How many hours should an ECT be teaching?
The number of hours that an ECT should be teaching will vary depending on the school and the year group that they are teaching. However, most ECTs will teach between 20 and 30 hours per week.
What is the average class size for an ECT teacher?
The average class size for an ECT can range from 20 to 30 students. However, some classes may have more or less depending on the school and the year group.
What is the workload like for an ECT teacher?
The workload for an ECT can be quite heavy at times, especially during peak periods such as assessment time. However, by staying organised and using your time wisely, you can manage your workload effectively.
What are the benefits of being an ECT?
There are many benefits to being an ECT, such as having a positive impact on young children’s lives, working with a team of passionate and dedicated educators, and being able to make a difference in your students’ lives.
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