By Daniel
Callaghan
Daniel Callaghan, Teacher at Thorpe Primary in Bradford, won the
Silver Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year at the
National Teaching Awards 2023. In this blog, he talks about his
experience as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and shares some top
tips.
How did it feel to win the Silver Award?
When I found out I was nominated and won a National Teaching
award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year, I was in complete
shock. I was overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions; surprised,
excited, and nervous.
It was and still is a big deal, especially being recognised for
the hard work and commitment I have put into my teaching career
so far.
As an ECT, the first 2 years are the hardest; finding your feet,
promoting a positive behaviour management strategy, getting to
know the children in your class on a personal level and being
able to have a work life balance. So, being recognised early on
in my career has been one of the biggest achievements I have
done, since I am only 25 years old.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
During my primary school experience, I had a great set of role
models: teachers and teaching assistants, who showed me the love
for teaching and learning stems from the interactions you have
with students and peers in school.
It was during my volunteering hours at my old primary school,
that I realised a strong male role model could make a positive
impact on the children within and surrounding the classroom
setting.
As soon as I decided I wanted to be a teacher, I chose my A level
subjects based on this, and then completed my teaching degree at
Leeds Trinity University. Once I completed my degree, I secured a
post as HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) which gave me
confidence in developing my teaching ability, until I then
secured a full-time teaching post in Year 5 at Thorpe Primary
School.
How do you set your pupils up for success?
My belief is that every child can succeed in all aspects of their
learning and development with strong role models and a great
range of opportunities.
My classroom reflects my teaching style - it’s a calm, warm and
inviting space where children can immerse themselves in the range
of books, get creative with different resources and feel
confident to ask for support or use the working walls to develop
their work.
My behaviour management has been noticed to be highly effective
and consistent, by the use of positive praise, daily class
certificates and personalised stickers: which my children
absolutely love!
I believe being a young teacher has also helped me be able to
relate and create lasting relationships and bonds with the
children I teach; I’ve got to know them on a personal level,
which further supports my planning as I can tailor and adapt it
to the needs of my children.
Within my school, the Carlton Academy Trust vision statement is,
‘Excellence for All,’ which I use and strongly believe in whilst
teaching and setting my children up for success.
What are your 5 top tips for ECT’s?
- Get organised and use a decent teacher planner
- Find a good work life balance and stick to it.
- Ensure you have a good support system.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself, your to do list always gets
longer.
- Every day is a new day … enjoy it!
Nominate your colleagues for a National Teaching
Award
Entries for the 2024 National Teaching Awards are now open.
The awards are free and there are 16 individual and team
categories covering the early years, primary, secondary and FE
sectors, open to schools and colleges across the UK.
