1. A class of your own
Nothing beats the feeling of going into a class on September 1st and knowing that they are your class. They are yours to teach, to inspire, to nurture, to protect for the year. You get to set the ground rules and develop a class routine. All those tips you have picked up in training or in the various schools subbing can finally be put into action.
2. The little victories
Whether its Ann finally remembering to put up her hand when she has an answer or long division has finally clicked for Ben that feeling when a child who has struggled with something finally gets it is amazing. For me it was a child who had severe behavioural issues, and therefore a bad reputation among the rest of the staff who thought he didn't listen. He had speech difficulties and had difficulties in writing - neither of which helped his reputation. I assessed him as being at a level for RE to be told by the RE coordinator that there was no way he could be at that level and where was my proof. I had none but told her I would have it the next day. Knowing that I would never get the story of Noah's Ark in any written form from him I decided to record him. He remembered every detail of the story that we hadn't read in a week. I was so amazed and proud of him that day and was actually so close to tears when I realised how much he could do and was capable of. I suppose given the RE coordinator the proof that he was actually at a higher level than I gave him gave me a huge amount of satisfaction in my own capabilities and was a confidence boost for a highly anxious NQT.
3. Your own classroom
Everyone knows how they want their classroom to look and can spend so long on imaging the various displays that will be in the classroom. Finally you get the chance to put your own stamp on everything in the classroom and make it a place that you love to teach in and that the class love to learn in.
4. Planning
As much as I dislike planning I love planning. I love to plan my own lessons and decide how my class are going to learn something. I love being able to decide how to incorporate topic work into literacy and where possible numeracy. I love being able to show children that everything can be linked and we can find ways of incorporating our history or science to literacy. Thematic planning is so important and finding themes and topics that children like and are interested in can make learning more fun and enjoyable.
5. Security
Nobody likes the uncertainty of day to day especially when you are waiting on the phone call that morning. Its lovely to know where you are everyday and who/what you are going to be teaching. Not having to go into a strange school and a new class everyday can have major advantages and some great friendships can be formed in the staff room.