Future Teachers Programme - Ben Whittle

How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are you based? 

I've been with Teaching Personnel for just under 9 years and I'm based in Southampton. With the Future Teachers programme, we work and cover across the county supporting schools and candidates throughout their journey into teaching.

How did you get involved with Future Teachers Programme? 

I first got involved with the Future Teachers Programme in 2019 in partnership with a local school and my previous manager. We saw a real gap in the market for accessible, supported routes into teaching. Many talented graduates and career changers were being put off by the financial barriers of traditional teacher training and the lack of support and guidance it brings. The programme gives a genuine solution that could open doors for people who are passionate about education but need a more sustainable pathway in.

What makes Future Teachers Programme unique compared to other services or paths into teaching?

What sets the Future Teachers Programme apart from any other programme is the combination of earning a salary from day one while receiving comprehensive training and mentorship alongside the experience of being an educator. Unlike traditional routes where candidates often struggle financially or feel thrown in at the deep end, this programme provides a gradual, supported entry into teaching. Participants spend their first-year building confidence and practical skills as a Cover Supervisor before transitioning to formal teacher training while receiving a salary. The combination of experience, financial support and mentorship allows Future Teachers to grow and develop into excellent educators.

What are some common misconceptions graduates may have about getting started in education, and how does the programme address this? 

One major misconception is that you need to have everything figured out before you start in education- skills such as lesson planning classroom management, or prior teaching experience. The reality is that teaching is a skill you develop over time. The Future Teachers Programme addresses this by giving participants a full year to learn, observe, and gradually take on responsibilities before formal training begins. Another misconception is that you must decide exactly what subject you want to do from the get-go. With the Future Teachers programme, the first year will allow you to gain experience of covering/teaching lots of different subjects to help you finalise what subject you would like to specialise in come your formal training yearFinally, many people worry they'll be left to sink or swim, but our dedicated mentorship and small cohort sizes ensure everyone receives the individual support they need.

What’s the most rewarding part of seeing participants go through this program? 

For me the most rewarding part is seeing how the Future Teachers grow in confidence and presence transform over the two years but after the first year. Many graduates start off nervous and unsure if they want to go down this route, but by the end they are super confident and perfectly equipped to undertake their teacher training. Seeing that growth, knowing you have kick started and discovered a career for someone that they're genuinely passionate about, is incredibly fulfilling. It's also rewarding to see the long-term impact as many of our Future Teachers go on to take on leadership roles within their schools.

Have there been any success stories from the programme that stand out to you? 

There has been so many success stories that to name one or two is incredibly hard. One that always stands out is a career changer who came from a completely different industry with no teaching experience whatsoever. They were passionate from being furloughed during the COVID lockdown and having to home-school their children but understandably anxious about the transition. Throughout their first year, they worked closely with their mentor, gradually building their classroom presence and developing their teaching style. By their second year, they were thriving and fast-forward to the present day, they are head of department in their school and about to start their Senior Leadership Training!

What do schools value the most about having this programme in their school?

Schools value the long-term investment. Unlike short-term supply staff, Future Teachers become embedded members of the school community who grow to understand the school's culture, values, and students. Schools also appreciate the structured support that comes with the programme. Future Teachers aren't left to figure things out alone, which benefits both the individual and the school. Perhaps most importantly, schools value that they're identifying and developing talent from within. By the time a Future Teacher qualifies, the school already knows they're a good fit, and the teacher already knows the school, it's a much more sustainable recruitment model.

How do you see this program shaping the future of teacher recruitment?

I believe programmes like this represent the future of teacher recruitment. The traditional routes into teaching don't work for everyone, and we're facing a well-documented teacher shortage, particularly in subjects like Maths, Science, and MFL. I see this model expanding significantly because it addresses the core issues: recruitment, retention, and quality. When people feel supported and financially stable throughout their training, they're far more likely to stay in the profession long-term. That's exactly what schools and the education system need!