Joining The Basildon Academies for my ECT years has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my professional journey so far. Transitioning from teacher training into full-time teaching was a huge step, and gaining QTS felt like a major milestone—but stepping into my ECT1 year brought a whole new set of expectations, responsibilities, and opportunities for growth.

From the beginning, I was met with both challenges and incredible support. There were days where I questioned myself, days where the workload felt overwhelming, and moments when I wondered if I was truly ready. However, every difficult moment was matched with guidance from colleagues, encouragement from mentors, and the wonderful reminder—often from my students—of why I chose this career in the first place.

Some of the most memorable times have been those small victories: seeing a student finally understand a concept we’d been working on, watching classes grow in confidence, and feeling myself become more secure and capable in my teaching practice. The Basildon Academies has provided a community that celebrates progress and pushes you to develop, even when the path feels tough.

As I move into ECT Year 2, I feel proud of how far I’ve come. The growth I’ve experienced—professionally and personally—has been significant, and I’m excited to continue building on the foundations laid this year. It hasn’t been easy, but it has absolutely been worth it. The challenges have shaped me, the support has strengthened me, and the successes have reminded me of the purpose behind the work.

I’m grateful to The Basildon Academies for helping me become the teacher I am today and for standing beside me as I continue this journey.

Miss Reeve, ECT