• Teaching Leaders new phone number  |  0203 116 0828
  • Application deadline extended  |  for limited number of places until 15th June - apply now!
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Participant stories

Amy Elcock

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I began my teaching career in 2003 as an NQT at Greenford High, and was promoted to the role of History Subject Leader in 2006.
I joined the Teaching Leaders programme because it gave me the opportunity to access training and support specifically designed for the needs of middle leaders as opposed to focusing on issues of general school improvement.
The impact of being part of Teaching Leaders has surprised me in its depth and detail due to the access to a range of external expertise, the coaching input and networking with the other middle leaders. There is a good mix of participants at different stages in their career and in different environments but even so the topics and tasks are equally valid for all, no matter what their experience or context.

Despite my initial reservations about the value of one-to-one coaching, I have found the discussions to be very useful because the coach leads me, through questioning, to the real heart of the issue, by helping me to see implications and wider issues as the layers of assumptions are peeled back. It is the coaching that has giving me the clearest sense of personally targeted professional development.

In my opinion the Problem Solving Discussions Groups are really helpful. The ones that I have attended worked well because of the facilitators' sensitive and professional approach. I have been able to discuss in depth two or three topics, such as helping NQTs with behaviour management and raising a potentially controversial issue with the Senior Leadership Team. Not only do you get feedback from the Senior Leaders in these discussion groups, but you also get feedback from the other participants. This gives you an overall perspective of the problem you are discussing, and helps you come to a well informed conclusion. These discussion groups have proved to be very stimulating and helpful, and I have found I have been able to take ideas away from these discussion groups and use them in my own teaching.

Whatever your stage of personal development, this programme is able to cater for you and provide content which is relevant directly to you. This is due to the contact with your coach, and the various seminars and conferences that help you with your own personal development as a middle leader. I would recommend that anyone in a middle leadership position to consider this programme.