As we approach the end of September, we have reached what we might call 'the end of the beginning' of the Early Career Framework programme. Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and mentors have mostly completed their inductions, meanwhile Induction Tutors have been busy behind the scenes. Therefore, now is the right time to reflect on how the first phase has gone and what we can do to get the most from the next phase.
Here are our top tips for getting the most from the programme.
Get the fundamentals right
To borrow a sporting cliché: you can’t win the Early Career Framework in September, but you can lose it. To ensure that you’ve got the basics right, we recommend that you complete our induction checklist and watch our induction recap video. Ensuring these things are in place will set you up for success over the coming six terms.
ECF Induction Recap
It’s okay to not be amazing at the start
Some aspects of the programme – like instructional coaching and deliberate practice – may be different to your previous experiences. We also know that these approaches can feel a little awkward the first few times. Therefore, it’s important to recognise that things may not be amazing at first, but to commit to getting better and to make that a collective effort.
We suggest initially focusing on establishing the routines and rhythms, like the weekly mentor interactions. With these in place, everyone will become more confident over time. We will support you to do this through the regular seminars.
Keep talking
Finally, this is a high potential programme: it has the potential to transform the development and experiences of ECTs and mentors alike. However, it is also quite new so keep talking to each other, and us, so that we can work all work together to seize this opportunity.
We wish you the best of luck as you enter the next phase of the programme, and we are always ready and willing to help. Simply get in touch (info@nelthub.co.uk).
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