
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
£23 - 28 per hour
Location free text
Chester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Cheshire
Description
Engaging and Supportive Learning Mentors Required in the Chester Area.Here at TP Tutors (Part of Teaching Personnel) we believe in every child’s right to a quality education. As such, we are looking f
Reference
RVCH1LM03/07
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£26 - 32 per hour
Location free text
St Helens
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
St Helens
Description
Take Control of your Education Career with TP Tutors Are you an educator looking for a better work/life balance and a more manageable workload? Do you want to make a real impact on young people's live
Reference
RVWA10QTS03/07
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£13.51 - 19.71 per hour
Location free text
Manchester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Manchester
Description
The Role:As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), you will work closely with the class teacher to support the delivery of lessons across various subjects. Your primary focus will be to offer tailo
Reference
M40 HLTA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South PrimaryAuthor
Manchester South PrimarySalary
£89.38 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Chorley
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Full-Time Site Supervisor – Secondary School in ChorleyWe are seeking a reliable, proactive, and skilled Site Supervisor to join our dedicated team at a thriving secondary scho
Reference
0307SSPR7
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£80 - 105 per day
Location free text
West Kensington
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary SEN Support
Location
Greater London
Description
Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant (TA)Start: Immediate/ SeptemberLocation: London (W14)Contract Type: Full time, Part time, temp to permDate Posted: 03/07/2025Pay rate: Pay to scaleAbout Role: Do yo
Reference
SEN (TA)
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£40,766 - 52,288 per year + SEN Allowance
Location free text
Southwark
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
£300 - £399 per day
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Southwark
Description
SENCO Job Title: SENCO Location: SouthwarkStart Date: September 2025Job Type: Full Time, PermanentSalary: £40,766 - £52,288 + SEN AllowanceAn amazing opportunity for a dedicated and passionate SENCO
Reference
SENCO- Southwark
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£170 - 250 per day
Location free text
London
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
London
Description
KS2 TeacherLocation: LondonSector: PrimaryJob Type: Full TimeSalary: Pay to scale (dependent on experience)Starts: Immediate/ September 2025Are you looking to expand your experience in the Primary sec
Reference
KS2(CS)
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Sunderland
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Teacher
Location
Tyne and Wear
Description
Do you have a strong knowledge of the Maths Curriculum? Are you interested in becoming a 1-1 tutor with flexible working hours?At TP Tutors we have an exciting opportunity to provide children with the
Reference
EPSUTU25
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North East TuitionAuthor
North East TuitionSalary
£140 - 260 per day
Location free text
Mitcham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Autism
Location
Greater London
Description
Are you passionate about working with children or considering a career change into a different kind of teaching?If so, we have an exciting opportunity within a very welcoming and friendly school in Mi
Reference
SpEN Teach
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wimbledon BranchAuthor
Wimbledon BranchSalary
£89.38 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Levenshulme
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Science Graduate Teaching Assistant – Secondary School (Levenshulme) Start Date: September 2025 | Full-Time | Daily Rate: £89 – £100Are you a recent Science graduate looking to gain experience in educ
Reference
02465321321561
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondaryRelated posts

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
What do schools need to know this term? Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum refo
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job