As the first term draws to a close, it is important to acknowledge just how far early career teachers (ECTs) have come since September and celebrate the progress made along the way. 

As a team of educators, we know the autumn term can present its own unique challenges for all teachers, let alone ECTs embarking on their first steps into the profession. As an ECT1, you have completed one of the steepest learning curves in your teaching career and should be extremely proud of how far you have come. 

Whilst the two-week break provides the perfect opportunity to rest and relax after a busy 15 weeks, returning in January presents a natural moment to pause, reflect and reset. You have already come so far within your ECT programme, and as you enter the spring term, one of the most powerful steps you can take to ensure you maintain your positive trajectory is to remain closely engaged with the ECT programme. 

Why staying engaged in term two matters

• Timely support: Our ECT programme, co-developed with University College London (UCL), has been specifically designed using a spiral curriculum model to give you the right support, at the right time. In term two, we focus on refining the knowledge and skills gained in the first term, so you can apply these strategies with confidence and consistency. 
• Consistency is key: It’s a well-known phrase that has stood the test of time for a reason. With our ECT programme designed using a spiral curriculum, strategies are often revisited throughout modules to strengthen habits and ensure they are embedded into classroom practice.
• Peak progress: Research shows that progress occurs when routines are stable, and it accelerates when feedback, deliberate practice and mentoring align. By regularly engaging in the programme, you will be doing just that, and many mentors often notice ECTs making rapid progress between January and April. 

How to stay engaged

1. Short, sharp bursts: Revisit modules in short bursts to make the content more digestible and actionable. 
2. Diarise your time: Like with any task or priority, you are more likely to commit to it when it is in your calendar, and you have given yourself protected time to complete it. 
3. Make connections: Regularly remind yourself why you are engaging in the programme – to build the skills, knowledge and confidence to provide all children and young people with the very best education. 

Remember, we have a team of 48 fantastic facilitators to support you throughout your ECT years, including Ben, who featured in our previous blog and echoed what we have said above, ‘my role is to ensure that ECTs get the most out of the ECF’. 

Should you ever need further support or guidance as you continue through your programme, you can always email ecf@inspirelearningtsh.co.uk or speak directly to your course facilitator.