Teacher Training and the Challenges of Implementation

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner delve into the intricacies of teacher training, coaching, and the hurdles faced during implementation. They explore the importance of listening to personal experiences, the value of partnerships, the evolving role of coaching, and the need for a holistic approach. 

The episode begins with a powerful observation: rather than defending teacher training programs when confronted with negative individual experiences, we should listen and learn from those experiences. Tom and Emma stress the importance of considering these personal stories, allowing them to shape improvements in the sector. They highlight that teacher training is a product of various factors, including higher education and school placements, and therefore, a deeper understanding of individuals’ journeys is crucial.

Holistic Approach to Teacher Training

The conversation moves towards a call for viewing teacher training as a holistic, integrated process over three years rather than focusing solely on immediate readiness. Tom and Emma discuss that theoretical input from higher education at the beginning of training may be more impactful, considering the partnership with schools. Through this partnership, organizations like Steplab come into play as valuable resources and platforms for instructional coaching.

New Criteria for Teaching Training

The episode touches on the newly published criteria for trainees, highlighting several changes that mainly affect those in their early career stages. One significant change is the increase in teaching hours, with trainees starting with 15 hours. The hosts express concerns about the impact of this heavy teaching load on trainee retention, workload, and the quality of their teaching sessions. They question how schools will manage this change and allocate curriculum hours for trainees while doubting the ability of trainees and schools to cope with these adjustments.

Educating for Individuality

Tom and Emma discuss a decisive shift in mindset regarding education. They highlight that the system often treats children as mere cogs in a pre-defined framework, neglecting their uniqueness. Inspired by a headteacher’s quote, they propose that educators approach each child as if they were their own, providing the support and guidance they would offer their child. They illustrate this perspective with a study on provision, which encourages embracing the individuality of every student to enhance their learning experience.

The Power of Instructional Coaching

The hosts delve into the Early Career Framework (ECF) and the importance of instructional coaching for novice and experienced teachers. They express concern that experienced teachers may forget the challenges newcomers face and stress the need for ongoing support throughout a teacher’s career. Tom and Em highlight the mindset shift required when coaching a teacher during a lesson, moving from top-down judgments to a collaborative and supportive approach. They applaud schools for embracing this cultural change and fostering an environment that nurtures teachers’ progress and development.

Tom and Emma highlight teacher training and coaching challenges and possibilities in this compelling episode. They advocate for a listening culture, recognizing the value of personal experiences while viewing teacher training as a holistic, long-term process. They celebrate partnerships like Steplab, providing valuable coaching resources, and emphasize the need to adapt instructional approaches based on individual goals and needs. Education can genuinely bridge the gap between theory and practice through this transformative approach, providing a nurturing environment for teachers and students.