How to Survive Your PGCE: Essential Tips for Aspiring Educators
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.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
Role: TeacherContract: Temp to Perm, FulltimeSalary: MPS/ UPS (dependent on experience with potential TLR)Area: S35Are you a newly qualified teacher, who is looking to gain more experience to kickstar
Reference
JH2641
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£84 - 95 per day
Location free text
Cramlington
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Northumberland
Description
Job Opportunity: Teaching Assistant Position in CramlingtonAre you passionate about supporting students in their learning journey? We are currently seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our t
Reference
SS32KT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£30,000 - 46,525 per year + CPD Training
Location free text
Darlington
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Maths
Location
Darlington
Description
Teaching personnel are working with an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ school in Darlington who are recruiting an accomplished Maths teacher to join their department. If you are experienced and passionate about y
Reference
MMCA2118895
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees SecondaryAuthor
Tyne Tees SecondarySalary
£400 - 500 per week + CPD
Location free text
Middlesbrough
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Middlesbrough
Description
Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant - MiddlesbroughAre you a Psychology graduate looking for a work in education across Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas? At Teaching Personnel, we are workin
Reference
P545788867
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees SecondaryAuthor
Tyne Tees SecondarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Doncaster
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Teacher
Location
Doncaster
Description
An exciting opportunity to work across 'Good' and ‘Outstanding’ schools located in Doncaster has become available. Teaching Personnel are seeking to appoint enthusiastic, flexible and motivated Classr
Reference
AH2642
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
Job Title: KS1 TeacherLocation: Sheffield/BarnsleySalary: £120-160Enjoy working with children and want a rewarding career, that you can feel accomplished, by shaping the young minds of he future?Teac
Reference
sc5564
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£120 - 180 per day
Location free text
Northumberland
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS2 - Year 4
Location
Northumberland
Description
Are you a creative and imaginative teacher looking for a fulfilling part-time role in Key Stage 2? We're seeking a motivated educator to join our team and inspire young minds in a supportive learning
Reference
SS32K2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Doncaster
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Teacher
Location
Doncaster
Description
Role: KS2 TeacherContract: Temp to Perm, FulltimeSalary: £120-160 per dayArea: DoncasterAre you a newly qualified teacher, who is looking to gain more experience to kickstart your career? OR are you l
Reference
AH2641
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£83.85 - 95.00 per day
Location free text
Doncaster
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Less than £500 per week
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Doncaster
Description
Teaching Personnel are looking for a committed and proactive Teaching Assistant to work in a Primary School in Doncaster to start in May 2024. Ideally, we are looking for someone who has experience wo
Reference
AH2643
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£12.90 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Manchester City Centre
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Manchester
Description
Discover exciting opportunities at Teaching Personnel in Manchester, where we're actively seeking passionate individuals ready to embark on their teaching careers. With immediate openings available, t
Reference
JM4679
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
Mock exams are a crucial milestone in a pupil's academic journey, serving as a practice run for the real deal. As educators, you play a pivotal role in helping pupils navigate through these trial ex
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish 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
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish 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
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job