Graduates
Our Zest Education Graduate Programme is suitable for university graduates who are keen to gain experience in the classroom, prior to commencing a teaching course, or current degree students who are keen to build on existing experience with young people (sports coaching, youth clubs, etc).
All degree subjects are accepted; however, to be effective with children and teenagers, it is beneficial to possess the following attributes as an individual.
- Adaptability
- Reliability
- Resilience
- Empathy
- Articulate
- A sense of humour
Our Graduate Programme is the ideal way for you to get a greater understanding of school life and gain exposure to teaching practices, learning strategies and behaviour management within the classroom.
Once your registration is complete, you will undertake our online Level 2 Safeguarding Course. We will then look at suitable options for you to commence your first school-based assignment.
This experience can be invaluable when applying for a PGCE, SCITT or School Direct programme in either Primary or Secondary schools, as many of our teachers, who first came to us as graduates, will testify.
See our Cover Supervisor and Teaching Assistant job descriptions below, to help you determine which role best suits your experience, qualities and longer-term career goals.
Role of a Cover Supervisor
A Cover Supervisor is likely to be used for short-term absences of a teacher. These might be known in advance (for example, where a teacher has a medical appointment or is undergoing professional development) or unexpected (for example, absence due to illness)
On a daily basis, cover supervision will include:
- Supervising work that has been set in accordance with the school’s policies
- Managing the behaviour of pupils whilst they are undertaking this work to ensure a constructive environment
- Responding to any questions from pupils
- Dealing with any immediate problems or emergencies according to the school’s policies and procedures
- Collecting any completed work after the lesson and returning it to the appropriate teacher
- Reporting back on the behaviour of pupils during the class, using the school’s agreed referral procedures
The working day is always during school hours and term time only.
Role of a Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant responsibilities include supporting the teacher within the classroom or working with small groups/1:1 basis, to aid the pupils with their learning and progression.
Depending on the age-range and ability levels of the pupils, the focus could either be on literacy, numeracy or supporting those with additional needs (often referred to as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
The working day is always during school hours and term time only.
Want to start your journey?
Got a question?
We’re here to help. Send us an email or call us on 0121 803 8880 (West Midlands) or 01543 756 796 (Staffordshire).