Research conducted in 2019 by the Department for Education revealed that less than 9% of teachers in England are non-white. This is a statistic that Teach Wimbledon is committed to changing. As it stands, the demographic of our teachers is neither reflective of our communities, nor the students that we are teaching within our schools. Our students need role models, and not only teachers whom they can look up to, but to whom they can also relate.

Krystian McInnis, Teach Wimbledon Secondary Lead, recently met with Teach Wimbledon graduate, and now Deputy Head of Science at Ricards Lodge High School, Ben Anderson, to find out why he decided to pursue a career in teaching, with Teach Wimbledon.

What inspired you to apply to train to teach with Teach Wimbledon?

Training through Teach Wimbledon allowed me to give back to my local community and work with students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Having worked in Merton with youth and families, I wanted to expand my work further by working with students in schools, sharing my passion for science while educating the future generations of students.

Teach Wimbledon is a training programme that gives you a freedom to express yourself very early on as a teacher. I didn’t feel like I was there as ‘just a trainee’, but rather as a valued member of staff that could have a positive impression in the school I worked in.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in teaching?

Something I think is worth mentioning is that you can be a teacher… and still be your 100% unique self! People often look back at their own school teachers and think ‘I could never be like them’. Times have changed! In order to be a good teacher you do not need to morph into something you’re not and put on an act every time you enter the classroom. Some of the best teachers I’ve seen have been outspoken/shy/wild/funny/serious/adventurous…but always themselves.

How did you find your training year?

It was certainly a year of growth. At first the imposter syndrome kicks in. Some of my fellow PGCE colleagues had spent a year working as teaching assistants so perhaps for them the transition was easier, but to begin with for me it felt weird being in a school and not being a student. Can I really teach these students when right now I feel like one of them? The first few lessons are nerve racking, but eventually it just becomes more and more comfortable. It became such a great feeling seeing students learn and knowing that I’d helped get them there.

By the end of the year you’ve developed a skill set that makes you feel ready to take on the world. It’s a really great feeling!

What did you gain from the course, aside from a teacher training qualification?

Teacher training allows you to develop new, interesting ways of presenting your ideas. The course allows you to nurture and express a more creative side and it’s given me an increased confidence in public speaking.

In addition, the course most certainly gives you an increased sense of self-worth. You learn very early on that you in fact have the power to impact positively on a young person’s life.

What additional roles and responsibilities do you have now?

Within a year of completing my teacher training I was offered a TLR (Teaching and Learning Responsibility) that promoted me to Deputy Head of Science, which extended to leading the department in provision for Key Stage 3. I’ve had opportunities to mentor teachers in the early stages of their careers as trainees, and as ECTs (Early Career Teachers). The role has given me the capacity to work closely with fellow teachers and members of the senior leadership team to really promote engagement in science amongst students. 

Looking back, what would you say to yourself at the start of the programme, and what is your advice for future trainees?

I think what I would say to myself at the start of the programme is embrace, enjoy, and try as many different things as possible. You’re not expected to arrive as the finished article, but that you grow and develop over the course of the year into a teacher that can help boost the spirit to learn in young people.

Applications to train to teach with Teach Wimbledon from September 2022 are now open. To find out more, please visit www.teachwimbledon.com.