Subject knowledge concerns

I'll be starting in the classroom this September as a secondary English teacher, however I'm worried about whether my subject knowledge is good enough for the role.

For context, I have a BA in Journalism and I've taught TEFL for almost 10 years, and so I feel pretty confident in language and general classroom management (although I understand that a TEFL classroom and a UK classroom are different beasts!).

My knowledge gap is for literature. I've spent the past few months reading the set texts, reviewing KS3 and KS4 concepts, and looking through past papers to understand what skills the students need in order to pass. Despite this, I still feel a bit... fraudulent. I'm worried that the students and other staff will see right through me and this will negatively impact my ability to teach.

I want to do well, and I want my students to do well. Do any English teachers (or other subjects!) have any advice for me? I've looked into a SKE, but I simply can't afford one at this time, and so self-study seems to be my current best option.

Also, I hope this is the right place to post the question, I'm new to TSR. Thanks for reading!

Reply 1

Scrad1

I think you saying “I want to do well and I want my students to do well” speaks volumes. I don’t really have any input for English teaching, however, with that attitude you just have to trust yourself that you’re going to do amazing, you got this.

Reply 2

ddntendo

Original post

by Scrad1

I appreciate you saying this, thank you!

Reply 3

humane-magnum

Did you mean that you will be starting in a classroom as part of a teaching training programme (SCITT, university led?) or as a newly qualified teacher?

Reply 4

hotpud

Original post

by ddntendo

I'll be starting in the classroom this September as a secondary English teacher, however I'm worried about whether my subject knowledge is good enough for the role.
For context, I have a BA in Journalism and I've taught TEFL for almost 10 years, and so I feel pretty confident in language and general classroom management (although I understand that a TEFL classroom and a UK classroom are different beasts!).
My knowledge gap is for literature. I've spent the past few months reading the set texts, reviewing KS3 and KS4 concepts, and looking through past papers to understand what skills the students need in order to pass. Despite this, I still feel a bit... fraudulent. I'm worried that the students and other staff will see right through me and this will negatively impact my ability to teach.
I want to do well, and I want my students to do well. Do any English teachers (or other subjects!) have any advice for me? I've looked into a SKE, but I simply can't afford one at this time, and so self-study seems to be my current best option.
Also, I hope this is the right place to post the question, I'm new to TSR. Thanks for reading!

Don't worry. Due to subject changes, then covid, it was 6 years before I put a class through an actual exam! Didn't have a clue. I'm only just getting the hang of it. The difference between you and many teachers (who also don't have a clue) is you recognise this and will therefore seek help and self-learning to help plug the gaps.

What is a fact is that there is no sure-fire way of achieving success. Every cohort, every class is different but you will find your way.

Good luck!

Reply 5

ddntendo

I'll be training in a school.