If there’s one thing that teachers of all ages complain about, it’s the lack of training to help them support pupils with special needs. If you’re a student teacher, it is likely you will sit through just one session on this topic in your entire training. So in this issue of First Appointments, the first of the academic year, we are launching a regular spotlight on special needs, beginning with albinism (page 6). In every issue, we will explore a learning problem or condition you could encounter in the classroom.
With winter fast approaching, you can feel under the weather, even picking up the odd bug from pupils. On page 24, Jill Wyatt looks at measles, mumps and chickenpox, and explains how and why you should avoid them in adulthood. And on page 22, we scrutinise the lunches of two young teachers and give you tips on what to eat and drink to withstand the pressures of the classroom.
If you’re jobhunting, check out John Howson’s at-a-glance guide to keeping ahead of the game (page 33).
Whether you’re a trainee or in your first year of teaching, we have information and advice on how to get yourself organised, prepared and successfully through those important early days of teaching.
Most importantly, we want to know what worries or bothers you, what is great about your chosen career and what we can do to help things run more smoothly. Let us know about your training, whichever route into the profession you’ve decided to take.
First Appointments. dorothy.lepkowska@tes.co.uk
Tel: 020 7782 3328
