Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
‘Expert teachers are made not born’
We are passionate about supporting Early Career Teachers to develop their confidence, subject knowledge, and pedagogical tools. We want the best for our young people and know that this means investing in our teachers. At Saddleworth, Early Career Teachers will learn from expert colleagues within the school and across the borough while they progress with the Early Career Framework. We work with East Manchester Teaching school hub and UCL to ensure teachers can hone their knowledge and skills to confidently refine their classroom practice, so students achieve excellently.
We have a designated ECT coordinator who oversees professional development and support. Each ECT receives a mentor on hand to support reflection, professional learning, and subject-specific expertise. We have a comprehensive library where teachers can read and reflect on effective research-based practices.
Some of the benefits:
- Expert ECT induction tutor
- Supportive mentor
- Dedicated time off timetable to attend professional learning, have mentor meetings and complete UCL modules
- Comprehensive CPD library
- Access to accredited online courses through our National College membership
- Carefully planned calendar to ensure that after school meetings and CPD are meaningful and manageable
Case study:
I am coming towards the end of my ECT Year 1 Induction in the science department at Saddleworth, and the support I have received has been excellent. There are a number of colleagues in the department with different experiences and expertise, who have been very helpful while I have been navigating through new science content.
I have a timetabled weekly mentor meeting, where I get an allocated hour to work through research summaries from study materials provided by University College London. Often, in the mentor meeting, we take the time to relate aspects of pedagogy from the research to upcoming classes or lessons, making it a unique experience that is tailored to my needs. My mentor has frequently managed this year to pop into some of my lessons which I have highlighted to him, so he can observe my classroom, and offer his advice around embedding routines, and the exposition of content. Due to having these regular meetings, I have developed a good relationship with my mentor, who is incredibly supportive with everything from delivering content and managing behaviour to staff workload and wellbeing.
Every half term I have had the opportunity to engage in face-to-face sessions with colleagues in the local authority, as well as other ECT’s from Saddleworth. This is a great networking afternoon, and I find that we brainstorm ideas collectively, with each individual being able to share their experiences and their teaching practice. I am eager to continue into my second year of the ECT framework at Saddleworth, and I know I will be guided to success by the experienced and supportive colleagues around me.
Miss Clancy
ITT provision
We enjoy working with ITT students from all subject areas and a range of providers. ITT colleagues benefit from an expert ITT coordinator and a subject mentor who oversees their progression. Many of our mentors have completed an ‘expert mentoring’ course and had experience in leading professional learning and coaching colleagues to improve. ITT colleagues will be fully immersed in the school’s life; from experience in form times, team teaching our SPACE curriculum, to engaging with departmental meetings. It is always a pleasure to welcome ITT colleagues to work with our young people and help them to have a positive start in the profession.
Contact details:
AHT: Mrs R Sunderland – r.sunderland@saddleworthschool.org
ITT/ ECT Coordinator: Mr A Hazzledine – a.hazzledine@saddleworthschool.org
