Your teacher training will be one of the most rewarding but challenging times of your new career. It’s tough to take in information during those whirlwind first few weeks, but vital that you know where to turn when you need help.

Workload

As a trainee teacher you will be juggling studies, the classroom and your personal life. It’s reasonable to expect that you will be busy, but there are times when this can sometimes feel overwhelming.  

Organising yourself from the outset is undoubtedly one of the best ways of combating workload-induced worry, but it is also important to ask when you need help. Have honest conversations with the people supporting you and set realistic goals to help you stay on track.

Professional practice and placements

Suddenly finding yourself in front of a class of pupils, as well as having a growing list of tasks to complete, can be daunting. You will have targets to meet, want to make a good impression on your pupils and your mentors, and actually get to grips with teaching. Remembering that you are a “teacher in training”, is key, here. 

Talk to your mentors, your training providers and use all of the support mechanisms they provide you with. Go to meetings and tutorials prepared to talk about targets and workload: the more structure you have, the more you will get out of them.

Is this for me?

It may be that you begin your course and start to think that teaching is just not for you. This is not the end of the world and it’s vital you remember that. 

Talk to your tutors or mentors as soon as you start to question whether a course or training path is right for you. They will be able to help you look for solutions - this could be a change of course or pathway, or a discussion on careers outside of teaching.

Money

Many students feel the financial pressure when they start a course. Student life comes with a tight belt, but if you experience financial difficulties there are people who can help.  

If you’re studying at a university, visit student services to see what options they have to support you. Most will have a fund or process to help you manage your money and look at any problems you are experiencing.  

Your student or teaching unions may also offer money management advice and will usually provide appointment services to help you understand your options.

Study skills

Beginning to study at university may - and should - mean that you are challenged academically. During your new studies, you will begin to understand areas that you are going to need to work on.  

Be assured, this is the same for most people. However, familiarise yourself early on with the study skills support that your training provider or university offers. Undertake a “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats” or SWOT, analysis of your academic abilities so you have a clear idea of what you need to work on, but also recognise the strengths that got you on to your course.

Anxiety

Starting a hectic course can trigger feelings of anxiety. You can experience periods of overload, which can leave you feeling like you will never get everything done. It is imperative that you look after your mental health while training and, indeed, teaching.

If you feel like things are getting too much, seek support immediately. Again, talking to your tutors or your union might help, but there are also specialist services such as the Education Support Partnership.

Balance

It is easy to give everything you’ve got over to your teaching life. From the outset of your teaching career, you may struggle to find the balance of home and work life. Switching off can be difficult but it is imperative. 

Planning time for yourself is just as important as planning to work. If you find yourself overwhelmed, asking for help with your workload is a good place to start. More experienced professionals will often be able to see where you can work smarter and make reasonable adjustments to your workload.

Your teacher training is the gateway to an incredibly rewarding profession. While it is tough and has its challenges, communicating with those around you is often the key to success.

Sarah Wright is senior lecturer of primary education at Edge Hill University. She tweets @Sarah__wright1