Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu

How to Survive Your PGCE: Essential Tips for Aspiring Educators

Date posted : 04 September 2023

Embarking on the journey to become an educator is both exhilarating and demanding. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is crucial to achieving your teaching ambitions. The road ahead may seem daunting, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can not only survive but thrive during your PGCE journey. In this comprehensive guide, brought to you by Teaching Personnel, we'll delve into valuable insights and actionable tips to help you navigate this transformative phase of your professional development.  

1. Mastering Time Management 

One of the first lessons you'll learn as a PGCE student is the importance of effective time management. Balancing coursework, lesson planning, classroom observations, and personal commitments can be overwhelming. Start by creating a detailed schedule that outlines your daily tasks and allocate time for each. Utilise digital tools like calendars and task management apps to stay organised and on track.  

2. Prioritise Self-Care 

Teaching is a demanding profession that requires your physical, emotional, and mental well-being to be at their best. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, such as exercising, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to be a more effective educator.  

3. Collaborate and Network 

Your PGCE program is an opportunity to build connections with fellow educators. Collaborating with peers can provide fresh perspectives, shared experiences, and a supportive community. Participate actively in group discussions, workshops, and extracurricular activities to expand your network and exchange insights that can enhance your teaching practices.  

4. Embrace Reflective Practice 

Reflective practice is the cornerstone of growth in teaching. Regularly reflect on your lessons, pupil interactions, and teaching approach. Consider what worked well and what could be improved. This introspective process fosters continuous improvement and encourages innovation in your teaching methods.  

5. Seek Mentorship 

Engaging with experienced educators as mentors can be immensely beneficial. They can offer guidance, share real-world classroom strategies, and provide constructive feedback.   

6. Stay Adaptable 

Education is an evolving field, and flexibility is key. Be open to trying new techniques, integrating technology into your teaching, and adapting your methods to suit diverse learning styles. Embracing change with a positive attitude will not only make you a more effective teacher but also enhance your professional growth.  

7. Manage Stress Effectively 

Teaching can be stressful, especially during your PGCE. Develop stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and time for relaxation. If stress overwhelms you, don't hesitate to seek support from mentors, peers, or professional counsellors.  

8. Keep Learning 

The pursuit of knowledge should never cease. Stay updated with educational trends, attend workshops, webinars, and conferences, and read educational literature to enrich teaching practices. A commitment to lifelong learning will set you apart as a dedicated and knowledgeable educator.  

Surviving and thriving during your PGCE journey requires dedication, resilience, and a passion for education. Remember, each step you take toward becoming a skilled educator brings you closer to positively impacting the lives of your future pupils. Good luck on your PGCE journey!  

At Teaching Personnel, we are dedicated to supporting aspiring educators as they embark on their teaching careers. Our mission is to connect passionate educators with valuable resources, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive in teaching, through our ECT Pool and Future Teachers Programme.   

List #1

Related posts

How to create a teacher supply pool this term

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

In the fast-moving world of education, headteachers and schools face the challenge of ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of qualified teachers. Unforeseen teacher absences due to staff sickness

Teaser

Learn how to build a resilient supply pool of trusted teachers with Teaching Personnel to combat shortages, reduce costs, and enhance education quality.

Read more
5 Tips for Managing Your Teaching Workload

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD08YY

Summary

Teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in shaping our society's future. However, it comes with its challenges. The workload can be demanding, which might sometimes lead to feelin

Teaser

Teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in shaping our society's future. However, it comes with its challenges. The workload can be demanding, which might sometimes lead to feelings of stress.

Read more
Teaching Assistant
Practical Behaviour Management Tips for Teaching Assistants

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Being a Teaching Assistant (TA) is a rewarding and challenging role that requires a diverse skill set. One of the responsibilities of a TA is supporting the teacher in managing classroom behaviour eff

Teaser

Being a Teaching Assistant (TA) is a rewarding and challenging role that requires a diverse skill set. One of the responsibilities of a TA is supporting the teacher in managing classroom behaviour effectively. As a TA, you play a crucial role in creating a positive and conducive learning environment.

Read more
QTS
Can I Become a Supply Teacher without Qualified Teacher Status?

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Teaching is a noble profession that holds the power to shape young minds and inspire future generations. Many people find great joy and fulfilment in pursuing a career in education. One avenue within

Teaser

Teaching is a noble profession that holds the power to shape young minds and inspire future generations. Many people find great joy and fulfilment in pursuing a career in education. One avenue within the teaching profession is becoming a supply teacher. But can you become a supply teacher without Qualified Teacher Status?

Read more
National Teaching Assistants Day - nominate your classroom champion 

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

There are around 295,000 teaching assistants (TAs) working in schools across England and Wales. Today, teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting students and teachers. In 2022, TAs account

Teaser

Daily, TAs dedicate themselves to supporting teachers and enriching education through collaboration and guidance. To mark the great work that teaching assistants do in schools, National Teaching Assistants Day takes place on September 29th 2023. 

Read more
Keeping Children Safe: Practical Steps and Resources for Primary Schools 

Teaser

Primary Education

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

While it is true that “accidents will happen”, keeping children safe and preventing as many accidents as possible should be a concern of every school. By raising awareness of risk sensitively, schools

Teaser

Primary schools are now embracing Childhood Safety Week, which is dedicated to promoting safety education and awareness.

Read more

by

Scott Owen

by

Scott Owen

Classroom Mental Health
Breaking the Stigma: How Teachers Can Support Children's Mental Health in the Classroom

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having mental health problems has increased by 50%. According to a report by The Health Foundation, one in six children aged six to 16 in Englan

Teaser

As teachers, it is essential to listen to students' concerns and show understanding as well as empathy. And there are many ways teachers can support children's mental health in the classroom.

Read more

by

Scott Owen

by

Scott Owen

Using AI to Reduce Teacher's Workload

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

In 2023, it is impossible to watch the news without an item discussing the threats posed and potential benefits offered to society by Artificial Intelligence (AI).  Most people, by now, will have t

Teaser

The AI genie is out of the bottle. How can schools use this technology to benefit their pupils?

Read more

by

Scott Owen

by

Scott Owen

Flexible Working in Schools
Embracing Flexible Work in Schools

Teaser

Primary Education

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

There is little doubt that school leaders across the country are facing a recruitment and retention crisis. It is a simple yet frustrating equation; fewer people are entering the workforce than ar

Teaser

There is little doubt that school leaders across the country are facing a recruitment and retention crisis. More flexible work could be the answer

Read more

by

Scott Owen

by

Scott Owen

Supply teachers having a chat
Why schools should book cover for September now

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

Teacher recruitment is a critical aspect of any school's success. Finding the right teachers and support staff to lead and inspire the next generation of students is no easy task, and it is one th

Teaser

It’s important for schools to book teacher and support staffing cover for September as early as possible to ensure access to a high-quality, flexible workforce.

Read more

by

Scott Owen

by

Scott Owen

company logo
Search