Get Ready to Teach: A Guide for the Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT)

Description

Written by a Head of Department who managed to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ grading from Ofsted 8 weeks in to her NQT year. With a unique down-to-earth writing style, this book will provide NQTs with the practical advice that they need to help quell those September nerves together with a touch of humour to make the book highly readable and engaging.  The book is written in direct response to the feedback of NQTs who suggested that the period before starting a first job in teaching - the time when you can think of nothing but the sheer horror of standing in front of a classroom of unruly children – is terrifying.  The text tackles the “real-life” issues that worry new teachers, with a focus on the period before starting the first job. The timeline within the book will take you right through from the summer before starting, to your second year and beyond. The book will be the complete guide that every NQT (whether primary or secondary based) needs, giving advice on all aspects of school life – from the practicalities of setting up your classroom and talking to parents, right down to strategies for planning, assessment and continuing professional development, as well as some real-life stories from teachers who have been there and survived their NQT year.  Endorsements:  "a 'Bible' for anyone who is just starting out in the profession" - Sarah Ranby, secondary school teacher "This was a really easy and highly enjoyable read, which brought back lots of memories of my own early days in the classroom. The text offers a light-hearted and humorous approach to a wealth of very important and useful information and issues, and is full of tips, practical ideas, useful websites and pitfalls to be avoided. I will certainly be recommending this book to my students." - Alayne Ozturk, Primary Programme Director, London Metropolitan University "Verity's extraordinary creativity, common sense and humour run through the pages, making this book a most valuable asset for anyone beginning their teaching career. I thoroughly recommend it" - Steve Gerlach, secondary school teacher "Packed full of practical tips and advice, this is an excellent guide to surviving your NQT year. It has been of great use to me and I'm sure it will help any young teacher to make a great start to their career" - Gareth Hawkins, primary school teacher "The friend in the staffroom you haven't yet made, this text anticipates future issues, helps resolve current problems and reassures you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for every NQT. A down-to-earth, no nonsense ally for your first year(s) of teaching" - Corrinne Mackintosh, secondary school teacher "This book is an asset to any new teacher. You won't find a more real or down to earth approach to teaching anywhere on the market. It truly is a 'Bible' for anyone starting out in the profession and even gives some refreshing tips to more experienced teachers" - Sarah Ranby, secondary school teacher 'The Induction Year is a challenge for all Newly Qualified Teachers.  This book provides a range of practical strategies, ideas and case studies which, along with a proactive and enthusiastic approach, and the support of an excellent mentor should help make the Induction Year a success' - Greg Parker, Assistant Head of Primary and Early Years Education, Edge Hill University   Cover Get ready to teach: Acknowledgements Contents Introduction The ten commandments of the NQT The timeline An overview The top five misconceptions about teachers The top five clichés of teaching The purpose of this book How to find a job Teacher-training placements Your reputation Before you apply for a job Interviews Ideas for interview lessons The structure of the interview Questions to ask and things to find out How to leave during an interview if necesssary The summer holidays How to spend the summer holidays before you begin What to do in advance and what not to do Classroom set-up and personalising your space Advice on sharing classrooms Classroom organisation To plan or not to plan September: Part One Information you will need beforehand A ‘typical’ INSET day People you need to meet as soon as possible A first-day checklist Your class or tutor group Beginning to teach September: Part Two Your relationship with the students Your first lessons Learning names Class and behaviour management Rewards and sanctions Captivating lesson activity ideas Your first half-term NQT induction Meetings and directed time Relationships with other members of staff Staffroom etiquette The dress code (is there one?) Monitoring and Assessment The half-term break Onwards to Christmas Planning and time management Mock exams Relationships with the students Parents and parents’ evenings Keeping a check on your health – and how to set cover work Some festive ideas for the final weeks of term And onwards to summer Writing reports The options process The build-up to exams (GCSEs, SATS, etc.) Evaluating your NQT year What to do if there is a problem Your second year and beyond Self-evaluation, improvement and training Career progression Class management Ofsted Having a family and juggling your work/life balance Onwards and upwards! Tales from the front line A collection of amusing anecdotes and stories from NQTs and other teachers Useful websites A collection of practical websites