Rach Donnelly

Placement experiences were a vital part of my preparation for a teaching career. They enabled me to bridge the gap between theory and practice by observing how the knowledge and skills gained at university were implemented by experienced professionals. Exposure to a variety of teaching styles and approaches across three placements allowed me to identify effective strategies and reflect on my own values as an educator. This helped me to develop a clear and informed pedagogical approach and build confidence in the teacher I wanted to become.

My placement experiences contributed significantly to securing my first teaching role. They provided a supportive environment in which I could develop my practice, learn from mistakes, and reflect on areas for improvement. Through constructive feedback from mentors and colleagues, I gained a clear understanding of effective classroom practice and professional expectations. As a result, I entered the application and interview process with greater confidence, knowing the key strategies and behaviours that would support my success. The experience gained during placement enabled me to apply these lessons effectively and demonstrate my readiness for a teaching position.

During my placements, I actively sought opportunities to broaden my experience beyond the classroom. For example, I independently planned and delivered an after-school club, which helped to develop my confidence, leadership skills and understanding of the wider curriculum. These additional responsibilities gave me valuable experiences that I was able to draw upon during interviews, allowing me to demonstrate both initiative and a commitment to providing enriching opportunities for pupils.

I was also fortunate to work with exceptional mentors throughout my placements. Their guidance, support and constructive feedback enabled me to develop a wide range of teaching skills and refine my practice through ongoing reflection. They encouraged me to aim high and continually improve, which strengthened my reflective approach to teaching and motivated me to demonstrate my full potential. The positive relationships I built with my mentors played a significant role in my professional development and helped shape the teacher I am today.

My placements provided valuable opportunities to develop my understanding of safeguarding procedures, manage challenging situations appropriately, and collaborate effectively with colleagues. Working alongside professionals with a range of experiences and at different stages of their careers enabled me to gain new insights and learn a variety of approaches to teaching and classroom management.

Placements also allowed me to put educational theory into practice and see its impact firsthand. Observing pupils’ progress, confidence and skill development over time reinforced my understanding of effective teaching and learning. Seeing children grow, achieve and reach their potential was one of the most rewarding aspects of my placements and further strengthened my passion for a career in teaching.

My placements helped me develop confidence in leading lessons, managing classroom behaviour, and building positive relationships with pupils. I gained valuable knowledge of curriculum delivery, assessment, and meeting the needs of diverse learners. Observing and working alongside experienced teachers also strengthened my understanding of effective teaching practices and helped me grow in confidence as a reflective practitioner.

My biggest piece of advice is to enjoy it and throw yourself into every opportunity. Placements can feel overwhelming at times, but they are such a valuable part of your journey into teaching. Challenge yourself, be willing to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the learning opportunities that come your way.
At the same time, look after yourself. Teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Remember to take a step back occasionally and remind yourself why you chose this career. Celebrate the small moments, whether that’s a drawing from a pupil, a lesson that went better than expected, or a positive interaction with a child after a difficult day. Those moments matter and can make all the difference.

Be prepared and plan thoroughly. If you think you’ve planned enough, plan a little more, just in case things do not go to plan. However, do not put too much pressure on yourself. You are still learning, and mistakes are part of becoming a great teacher. I still make mistakes now, and that is completely normal. Reflect on them, learn from them and move forward.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself and trust the process. You have worked hard to get this far, and you are more capable than you think. Enjoy the experience, learn as much as you can, and believe in yourself. You will be amazing.