Growing Together ECF Pathways - Molly Reynolds
My name is Molly Reynolds, and I’m a first-year ECT and Year 2 teacher at Darwen Aldridge Sudell Primary School in Darwen. Teaching has always been my dream, inspired by the teachers in my family- my mum, dad, and grandma. From a young age, I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps, and I’ve worked hard to make that dream a reality. I’m passionate about fostering a love for learning in children and creating an environment where they feel both challenged and safe.
The Early Career Framework (ECF) has had a significant positive impact on both my classroom and my broader role within the school. Through the seminars, I’ve been able to incorporate various techniques and strategies into my daily teaching practice. I feel confident in asking questions whenever I need support, knowing that help is always available. One of my biggest achievements so far has been not only earning my degree but also securing a job straight after. Teaching, for me, is much more than just a profession- it’s a passion. I love witnessing children’s excitement when they achieve something, progress academically, and build their confidence, all while feeling safe in the environment I’ve created for them.
When facing challenges, I reach out to my colleagues, friends, and, most importantly, my fantastic mentor. My mentor offers valuable perspectives I might not have considered and, with their experience, is a great source of support. The lessons I’ve learned through the program will stay with me throughout my teaching career, and I’m excited to apply them as I work towards becoming a subject leader and, eventually, stepping into leadership roles in the future.
The support I receive from both my mentor and the ECF lead has been incredible. I have weekly meetings with my mentor where we review the lessons I've taught throughout the week, collaborating to find ways to make them even better. We always focus on the positives, which provides that reassuring sense that I’m on the right track. It’s such a valuable part of my development, knowing that I have this consistent feedback and encouragement. They’ve had a significant impact on me both personally and professionally. On a personal level, they’ve helped me find a balance between being a teacher and having a fulfilling life outside of work. As a result, my well-being has improved, and I’m now able to spend more quality time with family and friends. Professionally, they’ve introduced me to various teaching methods that cater to the different abilities in my class, while also guiding me on how I can continue to grow as an educator to better support my students.
The regular seminars have also been an excellent resource, offering a sense of community with others who are in the same position. It's reassuring to hear about their experiences and discuss ways to meet that week's targets. The opportunity to ask questions during these seminars, whether for clarification or to explore ideas further, has been incredibly helpful. It’s a great space to listen, share, and discover new strategies that could enhance my teaching practice.
The main reason I would recommend the Teach First/Aldridge Education ECF is because everyone involved is genuinely committed to the same goal: helping you become the best teacher you can be, ultimately benefiting both you and the children you teach. They prioritise your well-being and offer an amazing support system whenever you need it, whether it’s for personal or professional matters. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to network with other teachers, exchange ideas, and learn from their experiences.
On a personal level, I look after my well-being by making time for regular exercise and trying to eat healthily, though I always make sure to have treat every now and then. I prioritise my friends and family on weeknights and weekends, doing my best to leave the majority of my work at school, so I can keep those parts of my life separate. I also follow a piece of advice my mum gave me, which is that as a teacher, you will never complete your full to-do list, as there’s always something else to do. The best thing you can do is to try your best and, if you ever need help, reach out for support.
