Anna
Steiger

What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?

"Before starting my PGCE, I spent 23 years working in education-related and professional sectors following my BSc in Geography from the University of Manchester (2001). I began in media sales and publishing and later moved into graduate recruitment, supporting organisations in connecting with university students through the “milkround”. For the past 15 years, I’ve worked with UK boarding schools, focusing on pupil admissions and marketing – both domestically and internationally.

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

"I chose to study at NTU because of its strong reputation within my local area. It consistently came up in conversations with teachers and school leaders as the university many had trained with and highly recommended. Its partnerships with local school networks were also a key factor, ensuring that my school placements would be nearby - essential for balancing the demands of teacher training with the logistics of family life. The combination of regional credibility, strong school partnerships, and practical support made NTU the right choice for me."

What has been your experience of your course?

"My experience of the course has been incredibly positive, though undeniably intense. From the outset, the support from lecturers and tutors has made a real difference - they’re knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in our development. The course offers a strong balance between theory and practical application, which has helped me connect educational research to real classroom practice in meaningful ways.

One of the most valuable aspects has been the sheer breadth of information we’ve covered - from behaviour management and adaptive teaching to curriculum planning and assessment. I’ve found Rosenshine’s Principles particularly impactful, especially the emphasis on small steps, modelling, and guided practice. Alongside this, the focus on metacognition has helped me think more deliberately about how pupils reflect on their own learning and develop strategies to become more independent and resilient learners.

Working alongside peers has also been a real strength of the course. Sharing ideas, reflecting on experiences, and supporting one another has created a strong sense of community and helped me grow both professionally and personally."

How did you find your placement experience?

"My placement experience has been incredibly positive. I’ve been fortunate to work in two schools where the mentors and wider staff teams were not only highly knowledgeable but also exceptionally supportive. From day one, I felt welcomed and encouraged to ask questions, reflect on my practice, and take risks in a safe and constructive environment.

Both placements offered rich opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners who were generous with their time and insights. Their feedback was always thoughtful and rooted in helping me grow as a teacher. I was trusted to take on increasing responsibility, and that trust really helped build my confidence in the classroom."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"Working in a Year 5 class and then in a mixed EYFS/Year 1 setting gave me a broad perspective on teaching across key stages. One of the real highlights was being involved in the Year 5/6 end-of-year production of The Greatest Show. It was a fantastic celebration of creativity and teamwork, and it was incredibly special to support pupils as they grew in confidence and took pride in their performance.

I also led the Year 5 class on an athletics day out of school, which gave me the chance to build relationships in a different context and see the children thrive outside the classroom. Taking a KS2 assembly and running a themed WWII day were equally memorable - both gave me the opportunity to plan and deliver engaging, cross-curricular content while developing my confidence in leading larger groups.

In the EYFS/Year 1 setting, I gained a deeper appreciation for early learning and the importance of play, routine, and emotional connection. Across both placements, I felt I was able to build genuine relationships with the children and contribute meaningfully to the wider team."

How did this course help you prepare for your time on placement?

"The course helped me feel prepared for placement in a practical way. It gave me a solid understanding of curriculum planning, behaviour strategies, and how to think about inclusion from the start. I found the focus on reflective practice especially useful - being encouraged to pause and consider why I was making certain choices helped me stay thoughtful and flexible in the classroom.

Learning about things like Rosenshine’s Principles and metacognition gave me a framework to build on, but it was the chance to talk things through with peers and tutors that made it feel real. By the time I started placement, I didn’t feel like I had all the answers, but I did feel ready to listen, adapt, and contribute."

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

Did you find it easy to settle in at NTU? Do you feel like part of a community?