 | | The result was a programme that aimed to combine fast-track teacher training with developing business and leadership skills.
Inspired by the Teach for America scheme, which has been running in the US since 1990, Teach First launched in Britain in July 2002, with the first cohort recruited over the following 10 months.
After two preparatory weeks in different schools, the recruits take a six-week course at Canterbury Christ Church University, with their food and accommodation paid for, before going into schools for their newly qualified teacher year. In their second year on the programme, Teach First participants have the opportunity to work with volunteer coaches on areas including marketing, law and leadership.
“The core aim is to get graduates who would not normally go into teaching to spend at least two years, and hopefully more, in challenging inner-city schools,” says Brett Wigdortz, Teach First chief executive. “We look for people who we think could successfully teach after six weeks’ training, and people who could be leaders in whatever field they go into.
“We look for great communication skills, humility, empathy, resilience, respect and leadership skills.”
Around 2,000 people applied for the 300 places available this year. Brett says many of these will not be sure they want to stay in teaching, but want to keep their options open.
One criticism levelled at Teach First is that once participants have picked up the skills they want they will leave education and put their training to use in other fields, but Brett says he has no problem with that. The programme asks for a two-year commitment, and around half so far have stayed on after two years. Among the Teach First alumni are 100 heads of department and eight assistant heads.
“There are half who leave and go into the business world, but our philosophy is that is not a bad thing. Some will go back into teaching at a later date,” Brett adds.
For more information, visit Teach First.
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