My QTLS experience: Andrei Belikau
What motivated you to undertake Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)?
I was a qualified teacher in my home country for many years, teaching at university level. However, when I moved to the UK my qualification was not recognised as equivalent. I pursued QTLS as an option as it would allow me to be qualified to work with my preferred age range – post-14 – and it was also possible to complete alongside my full-time work in a school. I felt that the time scales were sensible and the process transparent.
How did you find the process and what did you like about it?
I found the process to be logical and straightforward to follow. It was also open enough that I was able to reflect on my own personal teaching style and identify clear areas for development. I liked that a variety of CPD was acceptable, from journals to workshops and online courses. This allowed for a wide range of sources for reflection.
What has undertaking QTLS taught you about yourself?
It has taught me that having a high level of intrinsic motivation will allow me to reach my goals. It has also shown me that I have resilience and can effectively use feedback to improve my practice.
What impact has QTLS had on your practice and learners?
Achieving QTLS has made me a more reflective practitioner. I can look objectively at my lessons and identify clear areas for development, and then put these improvements into practice.
This has had a clear impact on my learners as they benefit from my increased knowledge of strategies within teaching and learning, my ability to risk trying new things in lessons, and the feedback I am able to give them as learners.
What impact has QTLS had on your organisation?
It has benefited my organisation through increased levels of discussion around pedagogy within departments. Some of my ideas were implemented across my department as good practice.
What are you going to do next and how will you continue to develop your practice?
I have chosen a new set of skills to develop from the 20 Professional Standards for the next six months. I hope by continuing in this practice I will become a well-rounded professional.
What advice would you give teachers/trainers who are thinking of undertaking QTLS?
It’s an extremely useful opportunity so make the most of it – participate fully, be organised and have a clear plan from the beginning.
Finally, please tell us a fun fact about yourself!
Prior to working here in the UK, I worked as a lecturer at a Military University for eight years. This involved regularly staying up all night to manage 500 cadets!
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