We’re lucky that we receive many lovely comments and emails from our community of teachers on how they’re utilising Teachmate. But one that really stood out to us recently was from Lauren, an Early Career teacher based in Staffordshire.
She sent us a lovely email to say that Teachmate has helped her to get a new job! We were intrigued and wanted to learn more so Hannah, our Marketing Manager, got in touch with Lauren to learn more about the impact that Teachmate has had on her teaching career so far…
- Congratulations on your new job! Can you tell me about your new role?
I came into teaching after deciding I wanted a career change. I was working as a music teacher and in the automotive event industry.
My new role is a class teacher in a special education school in Staffordshire. I’m an ECT (Early Career Teacher) completing my second year after working for two years in a mainstream school.
- How did Teachmate help you during your interview?
I had previously interviewed at the school I’ll be working at and I didn’t get the job. At the time, their feedback was that I didn’t have enough experience. Due to working full-time, it was impossible to visit and observe so using AI has helped me massively.
After my lesson observation, I was asked if I had used an AI-generated song. I said no, as it was from someone who I follow on Instagram, but I mentioned that I had used AI to support me. The staff member mentioned that they had a Teachmate subscription, which got us onto the topic of Teachmate – I mentioned that I also have a subscription and that I am a 2024-25 Teachmate AI Ambassador!
In the formal interview, I was asked a question about a project that I was a key part of. Equipped with the knowledge that the school used Teachmate, I used an example of writing in English about the Great Fire of London.
Many of the children that I teach are from overseas and they have English as an additional language (EAL). Many have never been to London, so I used Draw My Setting to create an AI image of London before the fire in 1666 to inspire their creativity. I altered the input instructions to create an image that provided the visual for what l I wanted them to talk and write about. I then created another image which visually showed the changes to London after the fire.
- Do you feel that this helped you to stand out positively?
Yes. As someone who has changed careers, I know from other industries how technology, when used correctly, can increase productivity and save time. This is something that teachers desperately need!
Talking about these tools showed my new school that I have independently embraced this new technology.
- How will you implement AI in the classroom in your new role?
This new role will be a big shift for me professionally, with lots of new things to learn. Any tools that I can use to help me spend more time with the children whilst ensuring I have a life outside of teaching, I will utilise!
- Which are your three favourite Teachmate tools?
I’m currently enjoying using the Report Writer tool, which I know can be controversial as there’s a misconception that it’s ‘less personal’ – however using this tool has enabled me to focus on what I want to say about the child and not how I want to say it.
I also love using Draw My Character – For KS1 pupils, this tool encourages them to write clearly and share their visions of their character.
I also enjoy using the ‘WAGOLL Generator’ – at the end of a busy day even the most creative person runs out of creativity. I have used this frequently to create numerous examples so I can make the best WAGOLL for my class.
- What advice would you give to any teachers who are nervous about using AI in their teaching for the first time?
Be open-minded! What do you have to lose? Open up Teachmate, try a few free tools and see the impact this could have on your life for yourself!
Over the past year, I have shown numerous teachers my account both within my school and at network meetings, showcasing just a couple of tools. They have walked away with the website written on a post-it note and are stunned that this resource is available to them.
- How have you found being part of the Teachmate Ambassador programme?
It’s really interesting to hear about the things that are up and coming and have a chance to shape them. Being part of the Ambassador Programme would be extremely beneficial for members of SLT who are unsure about AI and how it could affect their school. Children are often ahead of adults with technology use and as teachers, we need to understand their world more and more.
I also love being part of the Teachmate Facebook community, where fellow teachers regularly share their ideas on how to make the most out of using Teachmate.
Thanks so much to Lauren for sharing her insights! 👩🏫
If you’re a teacher who is interested in learning more, you can sign up to Teachmate as either a free or PRO member. Click here to get started.
If you’re a headteacher or school leader who is interested in discussing a whole school licence with us, more information can be found here… 🙌