Lance Halliwell
A former soldier made the leap into teaching and started his training journey with North Essex Teacher Training.
Following a 22-year successful Army career Lance made the decision to enter a completely different profession. “I had come into teaching at the young age of 40, from the military, and my ambition was to transfer my leadership skills from one profession to another”
Lance choose to undertake his Teacher Training with North Essex Teacher Training. The training lasts a year and is split between classroom based learning and teaching placements within NETT partnership schools, throughout the Colchester and Tendring area.
“Importantly, I had learned from NETT that your status and reputation in a school, is always forged in the classroom. My instructors impressed that if you want to get ahead quickly, you set the bar, in the classroom, as high as you can”.
Many former NETT Trainees go on to establish themselves within the profession and go on to work in a wide range of leadership roles.
“My training also impressed upon me that it’s imperative to remember, If you want to move up the ladder, you need to be that teacher that other teachers professionally admire. However, I can personally testify that as an ‘inexperienced teacher’, if you want to set the standard, and be noticed, you really do have to dedicate yourself to the profession.”
Those who decide to pursue a career in teaching following a career in other professions come armed with a wide range of skills which are readily transferable to a role in teaching. The skills that Lance developed during his military career such as leadership, determination and resilience were invaluable during his training with NETT.
“Critically, during my training year, NETT placed me in a range of schools including one that was quite challenging. The experience of working with challenging groups gave me a different perspective of how to conduct myself. I realised that in schools which contain ‘challenging behaviour’ it’s important that your attitude to behaviour is constantly high in and out of the classroom.”
Within two and a half years of leaving NETT, Lance went from the role of School’s Healthy Living Rep, to a Raising Standards Leader, to Head of Year before assuming the role of Assistant Principal at Colchester Academy.
“Probably, the best advice I received from NETT, when preparing me to operate in a challenging school, was not to adapt a responsive manner. Keeping a calm head when others cannot demonstrates to Senior Leadership Teams that you are ready for that middle-management appointment. If you embrace the training delivered by NETT you will be given opportunities to develop your career. “
Sarah Cross
Former Nett Trainee Sarah Cross is still working and learning at her placement school; in the nine years that has elapsed since embarking on her training with NETT she is now as a fully accredited (SSAT) Lead Practitioner with specific responsibilities for Teaching and Learning across the school. She is still heavily involved with NETT and for the last four years has been the Major Subject Lead for English and is now supporting trainees in the development of their Subject Knowledge.
“After much deliberation (4 years on from graduating) I decided to teach. I carried out extensive research to make sure that I was training somewhere where support was key and that had a great reputation for training; NETT was by far the best option. From the outset I was working within my placement school, learning and training in the classroom whilst being supported by qualified teachers and mentors. This gave me valuable experience of school life and a real feel for school. The support that I received from NETT was outstanding; On top of my practical training in school, I also benefited from an underpinning of theory that I could immediately apply when back at school. During the first term trainees spend 2 days at NETT developing knowledge on how to improve teaching against the teaching standards coupled with dedicated Subject Knowledge enhancement sessions. This time was extremely useful, providing valuable ideas to take back and use instantly in the classroom. With the help and support of the NETT team and my fantastic placement schools I completed my training year with Outstanding. “
“My career progressed relatively quickly with leadership responsibilities for teaching and learning both within English and whole-school. In 2018 I was invited to attend the Essex Teaching Awards. The event, held at a special ceremony in Chelmsford, celebrated excellence in Education and highlights the outstanding work of teachers and other staff in the county’s schools. Surrounded by amazing colleagues I was named Secondary School Teacher of the year. “
“Fast forward to 9 years after my training and I am still working and learning at my placement school; now as a fully accredited (SSAT) Lead Practitioner with specific responsibilities for Teaching and Learning across the school. I am still heavily involved with NETT and for the last four years I have been the Major Subject Lead for English; now supporting trainees in the development of their subject Knowledge. I am still enjoying the None of which would have been possible without support and guidance from NETT”.
Max Morris
Before starting the NETT PGCE History course I had taught in China for 7 years. After deciding to come back to the UK, I had the most amazing training year where I received help and support throughout from Jane, Angie, Sarah and the rest of the team in adapting to teaching in this country. The assistance and guidance they gave me through the year afforded me the best start to my career in England.
I am now a month into my post as a History teacher at Tendring Technology College. It really has been fantastic to have my own classes and to have the responsibility for their progress. Although it can seem daunting at times to be responsible for the outcomes of more than 300 students, for me, it acts as a great motivator. It is a cliche to say, but it is true nonetheless, there is nothing better than having the opportunity, everyday, to make a positive impact in the lives of each and every student.
Teaching is a great career to go into and having a meaningful job where every lesson you teach counts is a great feeling.
Abbigail Brown
Pictured above Abbigail Brown who won the NETT Award for the Most Inspiring Trainee Primary Teacher and is now working as a Primary School Teacher.“My first weeks as a NQT in Reception have been fantastic. Starting reception is such a big step for children, so knowing that I am helping to lay the foundations for the rest of their school life is so rewarding. The feeling of having my own class after working so hard throughout my training is very special!”
Charlotte Harvey
Charlotte received the NETT award for Academic Excellence and is now a teaching English at secondary level.
“Before studying Shakespeare, many children have negative preconceptions and believe that the language is going to be a huge barrier to their learning. However, by modelling, translating and slowly unpicking the language together, I have found that everything has suddenly started to ‘click’. It has now begun to make sense, and as a teacher there is nothing more rewarding than to see the sparks of understanding on children’s faces.”