Tag Archive for: education careers

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Practical ways to manage workload as a Beginning Teacher

The start of your teaching career is exciting (full of potential, possibility and a healthy dose of nerves) however, managing your workload can feel overwhelming. At Mulberry College of Teaching (MCoT), we believe it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right strategies and support, beginning teachers can build sustainable habits that protect their wellbeing while setting them up for long-term success.

We asked our  first cohort of Beginning Teachers (BTs) to share their top tips for managing workload and here is what they had to say:

Start organised. Stay organised

It might sound simple, but nearly every BT we spoke to agreed: getting organised early makes everything else easier. That means setting up clear digital folders with logical file names, saving lesson plans and observations regularly and staying on top of your admin from the start.

Stay organised – keep up with your admin (little and often is best!)

Complete your reflective journals, upload your observation sheets as you go along.”

Building this habit doesn’t just reduce stress, it gives you more headspace to focus on your teaching.

Plan your planning time

Planning lessons is a big part of teaching, but it doesn’t need to eat up your evenings. Many BTs told us that booking in specific tasks for their allocated planning time helped them work more efficiently and avoid last-minute scrambles.

“Plan ahead what you will be doing during your timetabled planning time.”

This kind of forward-thinking helps you stay in control and make space for the unexpected (which is bound to happen in schools).

Don’t go it alone

You’re not expected to know everything. That’s why mentorship, collaboration, and community are at the heart of the MCoT programme. Knowing when (and how) to ask for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

“Delegate tasks; ask for help – it’s okay not to know everything!”

There’s no badge of honour in burnout. Sharing the load helps you learn faster and stay resilient.

Keep it simple. Build in rest.

Teaching is demanding (and rewarding) work. To look after your health and wellbeing, don’t try to do it all. Focus on what matters, take breaks, and give yourself permission to rest. Our BTs know the importance of this.

“Prioritise, keep it simple and build in rest.”

At MCoT, we remind all our BTs that pacing yourself is important, and it’s an important example to set for your students too. Workload will always be part of teaching but with the right habits, support and mindset, you can structure your time in a sustainable way.

 

Lifelong learning through continuous professional development

At Mulberry College of Teaching, we recognise that post-graduate teacher training is just the start of a teacher’s learning journey. Our commitment to lifelong learning through continuous professional development (CPD) is ever-evolving. Our programmes are designed to support educators throughout their careers, helping them to adapt, innovate, and lead in their teaching practices.

Commitment to continuous growth

We believe that effective teaching thrives on fresh ideas and new skills. That’s why our CPD is integrated into every stage of a teacher’s career. From the latest pedagogical research to innovative classroom technologies, we ensure our educators are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern education and inspire young people’s aspirations, engagement and success.

“The schools share an approach which is to support and nurture their trainee teachers to become confident, ambitious and often outstanding practitioners in their subjects. I have certainly felt challenged through my teacher training so far – but at all times supported and offered help and advice by the most experienced and willing of colleagues.” Oliver – trainee teacher

Tailored professional development

Every teacher’s journey is unique, which is why our CPD programmes are as diverse as the educators and students we support. Whether it’s through workshops, seminars, or collaborative projects, we offer a range of opportunities tailored to meet the individual needs and career stages of our teachers. This personalised approach ensures that our educators not only maintain their professional standards but also continue to develop their teaching strategies and leadership skills.

Collaboration and community learning

At the heart of our CPD is the belief in the power of community and collaboration. Mulberry College of Teaching is contributing to a vibrant professional learning community where educators share insights, challenge each other, and grow together. Through regular networking events and peer mentoring, our teachers build strong professional networks that support their personal and career development.

The impact of our sustained focus on CPD is evident in the classrooms of East London and beyond. Teachers who engage in ongoing professional development bring renewed passion and updated skills to their roles, enhancing learning outcomes for young people and enriching the educational experience for all students. Schools across the region report higher levels of teacher satisfaction and improved student performance, reflecting the effectiveness of our comprehensive support system.

Join us on your journey of professional growth

We invite all aspiring teachers to join Mulberry College of Teaching and embark on a journey of professional growth and lifelong learning. We encourage you to be a curious and reflective learner, with ample opportunities to develop, practise and critique your skills and talents. Our vibrant learning environment provides a rich opportunity for personal and professional growth, enabling you to contribute to the broader field of education, ensuring every student in East London receives the best possible learning experience.

About us

At the Mulberry College of Teaching, we are passionate about the transformative power of teaching. We strive to provide an inclusive and aspirational learning environment for all our students that focuses on excellent outcomes, collaboration and creative teaching. 

We invest in and value our teachers. By learning to teach with us, you will be immersed in schools and will learn from school-based subject specialists as well as a range of expert practitioners whose practice is grounded in the best available research. 

Based in the heart of East London, you will join our supportive professional learning community of Trust schools and local secondary school partners. Together, we appreciate the complexities and joys of working in a diverse inner-city urban community and will support you to excel. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Mulberry College of Teaching and learning more about you and your aspirations.