Participant stories

Allan Williamson

I started teaching as a Teach First participant in 2006 at the London Academy, and in September 2008 I took up the role of Assistant Subject Leader of science.
After enjoying a wholly positive experience as part of Teach First, I applied to Teaching Leaders in hopes of finding a similarly supportive and challenging programme through which I could continue my professional development. Having already established productive professional relationships in my school, I was eager to build on this foundation by developing my middle leadership skills in a safe, yet complex urban environment.

To support us, Teaching Leaders provides practical materials and tools that I can use on a daily basis, in addition to intimate seminars and personalised coaching. At the start of the programme, we were invited to a five-day Summer Residential at the National College in Nottingham, which served as an introduction to the central tenets of Teaching Leaders. Since our initial induction, the programme has built upon these core aims through our seminars and coaching sessions. Although I thought the Residential might be overwhelming, it enabled me to go back to school and begin to apply what we had been taught straight away while it was still fresh in my mind.

I find working with my coach brilliant!  She understands the reality of my situation, so I have never felt pressurised to be anything other than open and honest with her, which means our professional relationship is built on trust and confidentiality.  Having a practising senior leader as a coach means that she can adjust the programme requirements to fit with my situation, and act as my advocate and personal link to the Teaching Leaders team.  Through my relationship with my coach, I think Teaching Leaders truly supports my individual personal development and progress in my new role.