Safa trained with Mulberry College of Teaching (MCoT) and is now an Early Career Teacher (ECT) of English at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch. She spoke to us about what the journey has really been like: the support, the challenges, the surprises and the moments that remind her why she chose teaching. Q: Safa, how did your teaching journey begin?   I trained with Mulberry College of Teaching in Tower Hamlets. It’s been a big learning curve, but in a good way. From the start of my training year, I felt like I was being eased in rather than pushed in. I was in classrooms early on, trying things out alongside experienced teachers and then having the space to reflect and refine. That mix worked really well for me. Q: What kind of support have you had as an Early Career Teacher (ECT)?   The support in my ECT year has been steady and genuinely helpful. I have weekly meetings with my mentor, and they’re not just something to get through, they’re proper conversations where we look at lessons, talk through challenges, plan ahead and share ideas. I’ve never felt like I’ve been left to manage things on my own or pushed in before I was ready. The department has been just as supportive. Marking English essays, for example, can feel daunting at first, but working through the process together as a team made it feel manageable rather than overwhelming. There’s always someone willing to offer guidance, share resources or give a second opinion, which makes a huge difference when you’re still finding your feet. Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching English?   Honestly? The variety. Every day feels different. One lesson might turn into a lively Shakespeare debate; another will be us unpacking a modern poem or running a creative writing activity. Students surprise you constantly. Watching students grow in confidence, whether that’s through their writing or when they speak up in class, is one of the best things about this job. Q: You mentioned that form time is important to you. Why is that?   Form time is my favourite part of the day. It’s a quieter moment where you really see your students, not just learners in your subject. We chat about what they’re enjoying, what they’re finding tricky, or even something small from their day. Those conversations build trust. It sets the tone for everything else.   Q: What does wider school life look like for you?   Busy! But in a really positive way. We’ve had book-themed events, reading challenges, school productions (Christmas ones are always the highlight), and loads of creative activities. It keeps the year interesting and gives everyone things to look forward to.   Q: How have you found teaching in Tower Hamlets?   There’s a real sense of belonging here. Tower Hamlets is vibrant, diverse and full of life. It feels like a privilege to teach in a community like this. There’s warmth everywhere,  from families, students, staff and that makes a difference to your day. It’s also reassuring to know that English teachers are always needed. Strong communication and writing skills open doors for students, and it feels meaningful to contribute to that. Q: What helps you maintain a healthy work–life balance?   Routine has made the biggest difference. Once I figured out how to use my time during the school day (especially my non-contact periods), everything became much more manageable. I plan, mark and prepare while I’m in school, which means my evenings and weekends are my own. Being able to properly switch off makes me a better teacher. Having a slightly reduced timetable as an ECT has helped too. It’s given me the breathing space to stay organised and keep on top of things without feeling overwhelmed. I don’t take work home, and that’s been a game-changer for my wellbeing. Everyone’s routine looks a bit different, but finding the one that works for you is key. Q: How would you describe the culture at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch?   It’s a very welcoming place. Staff look out for one another. The English department is especially lovely; lots of shared resources, shared ideas and honestly, lots of laughs too. We even have Wellbeing Week, which includes free food, coffee, ice-cream vans and massages. It sounds small, but those gestures make you feel appreciated. There’s a genuine effort to create a culture where people can do well and feel cared for. Q: Looking back, how has MCoT shaped your early career?   MCoT set me up well. The combination of working in real classrooms, having expert mentors and being part of the same family of schools throughout my training meant I stepped into my first teaching job knowing what to expect. That familiarity made a big difference. Most of all, MCoT helped me take something I loved and turn it into a job where I get to share that enthusiasm every single day.   Q: Finally, what would you say to someone thinking about training to teach English with MCoT?   If you’re passionate about your subject and you want to learn in a supportive, grounded environment, MCoT is a great place to start. You will become part of a school community that will know your voice, your story, and you will be able to make a real difference to the pupils in front of you.    

When we talk about educational excellence, it's easy to picture exam results or polished lesson plans. But at Mulberry College of Teaching (MCoT), excellence means something deeper: equipping beginning teachers with the tools, mindset, and support to shape lives and lead with purpose. Early hands-on experience that builds lasting confidence It starts with the structure. From the very first week, Beginning Teachers (BT) are immersed in classrooms across the schools that partner with Mulberry College of Teaching. This isn't just about observation. As one former BT put it: "The hub day and home school placement balance is perfect, and is helping me progress in my teacher training!" That early, hands-on experience is where lasting confidence is built. A supportive professional community of reflective practitioners MCoT believes great teachers are developed when they are part of a professional community of reflective practitioners. Mentors, subject experts and school leaders don't just offer advice. They also guide, support, and challenge. As one BT shared, "The programme equips us to be transformative teachers with the help of all the members of [MCoT] to mentor and guide us, it feels like a warm community to be in." Empowering diverse talents and career changers It's also about pushing boundaries. Whether it's supporting career changers or nurturing subject specialists, MCoT enables real innovation in the classroom. One BT shared how the course prepared them for a new cross-disciplinary role: "Thanks to MCoT, I can now integrate my expertise in the English curriculum with my native language... I look forward to continuing my journey … promoting a diverse and inclusive learning experience for my students." Subject excellence through collaboration Subject excellence shines through. The English departments across the MCoT partnership are a powerful example of what happens when specialist knowledge meets collaborative spirit. One mentor reflected, "The department is incredibly collaborative and supportive and makes the job such a joy to be in." And students notice too. As Year 11 pupil shared, "It has not been just a GCSE to complete, but a journey to becoming a better writer and more analytical reader." From training to thriving in the profession At MCoT, teaching isn't a job. It's a craft, a calling and a career with direction. From immersive training and structured support to opportunities for leadership, curriculum development and mentorship, MCoT gives future teachers more than a start. It gives them a community to thrive in. If you're considering teaching, consider a place that sees your potential and gives you the tools to realise it. As we close the academic year, now might be the perfect time to pause, reflect and imagine where your journey could begin. We’re always here if you want to find out more.

Embarking on your first year of training to teach can be as daunting as it is exciting. At Mulberry College of Teaching, we provide an environment that prepares you for the challenges ahead along with the support you need to take your first steps in this transformative journey. Here's how we ensure your initial experience in teaching is fulfilling and impactful.

At Mulberry College of Teaching, we believe in the transformative power of education—not just for individual students but for the entire East London community. Our post-graduate teacher teaching programmes are thoughtfully designed to address the unique needs of this vibrant area, building social, cultural, and economic growth through targeted educational initiatives.