Sophie joined our Graduate Academy in January and started doing roles such as exam 1:1 reading/scribing, cover supervisor and general TA support. She has just since secured an English academic coach role from April-July through us to continue to gain experience in a more specialist role. 

We asked her a few questions to help others who may be considering joining make a more informed decision. This is what she had to say.

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What attracted you to the role of a Graduate Teaching Assistant?

I initially wanted to see if teaching was the right career for me. I felt like gaining experience in different schools with no commitment to begin with was a great way to see if I preferred primary or secondary environments, and if it was something I wanted to continue with.

How has this experience benefitted you? What have you learnt?

I have learned so much in regards to teaching methods and different styles of teaching. It’s amazing to see the differences across multiple schools, and how both students and teachers approach learning. Also, I’ve learned there’s no one way to teach, and no one way to help a pupil, and I feel as though I’m much more confident in experimenting with different approaches to try and find what works for me and them.

What are your plans after Graduate Academy?

After the graduate academy I plan to continue with finding my way in the world of teaching, possibly going on to do a PGCE at university. But I feel now I have the information that will help me decide my future in teaching. 

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If you would like to know more about our Smile Graduate Academy, you can find everything you need to know and more here or take a look at what another of our graduates, Victoria, had to say about her experience here. 

To join our Graduate Academy and take your first step on the teaching ladder, submit your CV here.