A day in the life of an early career teacher with Inspire Learning Teaching School Hub

Lloyd Pennington, an early career teacher (ECT), is currently undergoing his second year of the early career framework (ECF) with Inspire Learning Teaching School Hub (TSH). 

Lloyd, who currently works at Gateacre School in south Liverpool, talked about his experience as an ECT, and what a typical day in his life looks like. He offered some valuable advice for those considering a career in teaching. 

After completing his postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) at Liverpool Hope University, Lloyd began his two-year statutory induction; the ECF. 

Lloyd said: “A typical day for me starts out with chess club, which sometimes takes place throughout the week. After that, I head to my lessons where I teach maths to Year 7, 8 and 9 students in addition to Year 12 maths resit students.”

Lloyd shared how throughout each week he has regular catchups and meetings with both his mentor and the school’s head of maths. 

“My mentor has an open-door policy, so I can ask questions and seek advice and support regularly alongside our bi-weekly meetings. The maths department is structured in a cluster of rooms and the close proximity means I can check in with the head of department all the time – this has been really beneficial to me and ensures I have the support in place to fulfil my role,” Lloyd commented. 

As part of the ECF with Inspire Learning TSH, Lloyd has access to a suite of online resources, in-person events and collaborative sessions. Lloyd explained how the resources provide real-time support for his experiences in school. 

He said: “The online materials and my experiences in school work in synergy. I find that whenever I am facing new challenges during my role, the online resources offer support and guidance, it is well sequenced.”

Lloyd went on to reveal how the in-person events have been an opportunity for reflection and best practice sharing. 

“The in-person events are really useful. Hearing about other ECTs’ experiences helps me reflect on my own practice, spot any potential mistakes before they arise and anticipate new challenges.

“Collaboration is extremely important for me as an ECT to understand different perspectives, approaches, and ideas. There have been some instances where I have taken onboard some advice and applied it to my role,” Lloyd commented.

When asked what his favourite part of his job was, Lloyd shared how he loves seeing students who were disengaged in education go on to achieve their full potential. 

Lloyd shared: “I love helping students who are eager to learn but there is something really special about supporting those who aren’t engaged in education achieve their full potential – it is a real sense of achievement that I’m doing my job.”

Lloyd, who is set to finish the programme in July 2025, had some words of encouragement for those who may be considering a career in teaching. He said: “I love my job, and I would encourage anyone considering a career in teaching to enjoy the process. You will face challenges but learn from those challenges and reflect on your practice, it is worth it.”

Across Liverpool and Wirral, Inspire Learning TSH is the designated teaching school hub. The hub currently supports over 588 ECTs across 223 schools.