Teaching, Growth and Giving Back: A Rewarding Secondary Training Journey with KMT

Secondary teacher Emily reflects on her rewarding experience training with KMT. Returning to her former school, working alongside familiar teachers, and forming strong bonds with students made her journey deeply personal. With a balance of in-school experience, expert guidance, and subject-specific support, Emily is now set to begin her teaching career with clear aspirations for the future.

What influenced your decision to train with KMT?

When I first signed up for a visit with a partnering school, and I was introduced to Clare, I found that I worked best with the majority being within the school and being able to work with my old teachers. I enjoyed the 4 days a week being in school and being able to return to my A placement with the students that I started my training journey with.

How did you/are you find/ing you find your training experience with KMT?

I am enjoying my time with KMT! I enjoy the weekly sessions both in person and online, and my subject studies with the history trainees and the other humanities trainees! But the time I spend with the current students I’m teaching has been the highlight, and when I returned to my A placement, I enjoyed seeing them even more.

What advantages did in-school training provide?

The advantages that were provided in school were the ability to be able to connect with students, as well as weekly meetings with my PT. These meetings were an opportunity to chat to other trainees within my school, which meant that we could have helpful discussions and try new things that other trainees have been doing.

What insights or benefits did you gain from your Mentor?

The insights and benefits that I have gained from my mentor are that, for teaching, you always need to remember to be kind to yourself, and that a lesson can be as well-planned as you like, but sometimes you just need to adapt.

The other benefits that I have are that I had advice from everyone within my department and adapted my teaching to use different resources to help them and provide insight into the current department surrounding my training.

What are your career plans after you complete your training?

In my current career, I am starting in September at a mixed comprehensive school and will climb my way up to become a pastoral lead within my school.

Do you have any advice for those interested in training to be a teacher?

Be kind to yourself! You’re going to make mistakes, and teaching is all about adapting to your journey. Also, don’t compare yourself to other qualified teachers; you’re learning, and it’s all about your ability to grow to prepare for next year. It’s worth the wait!