Safa trained with Mulberry College of Teaching (MCoT) and is now an Early Career Teacher (ECT) of English at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch. She spoke to us about what the journey has really been like: the support, the challenges, the surprises and the moments that remind her why she chose teaching. Q: Safa, how did your teaching journey begin?   I trained with Mulberry College of Teaching in Tower Hamlets. It’s been a big learning curve, but in a good way. From the start of my training year, I felt like I was being eased in rather than pushed in. I was in classrooms early on, trying things out alongside experienced teachers and then having the space to reflect and refine. That mix worked really well for me. Q: What kind of support have you had as an Early Career Teacher (ECT)?   The support in my ECT year has been steady and genuinely helpful. I have weekly meetings with my mentor, and they’re not just something to get through, they’re proper conversations where we look at lessons, talk through challenges, plan ahead and share ideas. I’ve never felt like I’ve been left to manage things on my own or pushed in before I was ready. The department has been just as supportive. Marking English essays, for example, can feel daunting at first, but working through the process together as a team made it feel manageable rather than overwhelming. There’s always someone willing to offer guidance, share resources or give a second opinion, which makes a huge difference when you’re still finding your feet. Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching English?   Honestly? The variety. Every day feels different. One lesson might turn into a lively Shakespeare debate; another will be us unpacking a modern poem or running a creative writing activity. Students surprise you constantly. Watching students grow in confidence, whether that’s through their writing or when they speak up in class, is one of the best things about this job. Q: You mentioned that form time is important to you. Why is that?   Form time is my favourite part of the day. It’s a quieter moment where you really see your students, not just learners in your subject. We chat about what they’re enjoying, what they’re finding tricky, or even something small from their day. Those conversations build trust. It sets the tone for everything else.   Q: What does wider school life look like for you?   Busy! But in a really positive way. We’ve had book-themed events, reading challenges, school productions (Christmas ones are always the highlight), and loads of creative activities. It keeps the year interesting and gives everyone things to look forward to.   Q: How have you found teaching in Tower Hamlets?   There’s a real sense of belonging here. Tower Hamlets is vibrant, diverse and full of life. It feels like a privilege to teach in a community like this. There’s warmth everywhere,  from families, students, staff and that makes a difference to your day. It’s also reassuring to know that English teachers are always needed. Strong communication and writing skills open doors for students, and it feels meaningful to contribute to that. Q: What helps you maintain a healthy work–life balance?   Routine has made the biggest difference. Once I figured out how to use my time during the school day (especially my non-contact periods), everything became much more manageable. I plan, mark and prepare while I’m in school, which means my evenings and weekends are my own. Being able to properly switch off makes me a better teacher. Having a slightly reduced timetable as an ECT has helped too. It’s given me the breathing space to stay organised and keep on top of things without feeling overwhelmed. I don’t take work home, and that’s been a game-changer for my wellbeing. Everyone’s routine looks a bit different, but finding the one that works for you is key. Q: How would you describe the culture at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch?   It’s a very welcoming place. Staff look out for one another. The English department is especially lovely; lots of shared resources, shared ideas and honestly, lots of laughs too. We even have Wellbeing Week, which includes free food, coffee, ice-cream vans and massages. It sounds small, but those gestures make you feel appreciated. There’s a genuine effort to create a culture where people can do well and feel cared for. Q: Looking back, how has MCoT shaped your early career?   MCoT set me up well. The combination of working in real classrooms, having expert mentors and being part of the same family of schools throughout my training meant I stepped into my first teaching job knowing what to expect. That familiarity made a big difference. Most of all, MCoT helped me take something I loved and turn it into a job where I get to share that enthusiasm every single day.   Q: Finally, what would you say to someone thinking about training to teach English with MCoT?   If you’re passionate about your subject and you want to learn in a supportive, grounded environment, MCoT is a great place to start. You will become part of a school community that will know your voice, your story, and you will be able to make a real difference to the pupils in front of you.