My QTLS experience: Anya Bailey

What motivated you to undertake Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status? 

Within my current role, I support others with their professional development, but I was not very good at prioritising my own. Since completing my PGCE, I knew I wanted to complete my QTLS, but it never seemed like the right time. Following some changes within my role at work, I eventually explored the process further and the rest is history!  

What did you like about the QTLS process and how did you find it? 

When I received my portfolio, I read through the requirements and like many others who have completed it, I was initially confused. Once I got my head around the portfolio, what was required of me and where I could go for help and guidance, it was pretty straightforward.  

The QTLS process required me to reflect on my practice and share my reflections with my supporter. Sometimes this pushed me outside my comfort zone as I had to explore what was not going so well within my teaching practice as well as celebrate what was going well. The process made me deconstruct my practice and adapt, evolve and change it. Often, I was challenging myself to think in a different way based on my reflections.  

What has undertaking QTLS taught you about yourself and your teaching? 

The biggest thing I have learnt about myself is that my colleagues and my learners feel that I am a confident and competent educator. As someone who suffers from imposter syndrome, the QTLS process has given me the positive reinforcement I needed that I am a good educator and I support my learners effectively. The process has done wonders for my confidence as an educational professional! 

What impact has QTLS had on your learners? 

My reflections about my practice have made me think outside of the box and adapt my teaching in several ways. I am an avid reader, but the QTLS process encouraged me to explore alternative sources and think differently. This has helped me to support learners to achieve better outcomes.  

The use of feedback from my supporter and my learners has been a real confidence booster for me, and they have encouraged me to try new things, as well as evolve my practice to support them better within their personal goals.  

How has QTLS impacted your organisation? Have you been able to share your learnings with others in the organisation for them to implement too? 

I work within a collaborative Learning and Development team, and we love to share great practice with one another. During the QTLS process, I shared my reflections, knowledge acquired and key themes from my reading which my colleagues felt supported them within their own personal practice. As part of our team development plan, we discussed alternative ways of working and ways to engage learners more effectively within our taught courses. This has supported us to achieve even more positive feedback from learners about our taught sessions as well as increase uptake on our taught courses due to the buzz created through the positive feedback. 

Do you have any plans for the future with development and what are you planning to do next? 

The QTLS has been an amazing opportunity for me and has spurred me to be a more self-aware educator. The educational research that I explored whilst completing my portfolio sparked my interest in pursuing my own research and I'm proud to celebrate that I'm about to start the 2nd year of a Doctorate in Education (EdD) focusing on the impact of feedback provided within ballet education. My EdD studies not only incorporates the reflections I made during the completion of my QTLS, it also draws together the knowledge and skills I gained through my PGCE and my passion in supporting learners in vocational ballet schools in the UK. 

Do you have any advice for anyone who's thinking of undertaking professional formation leading the QTLS? 

The process isn't an easy one. It's not for the faint-hearted and there's a lot of work involved. To get the most out of the process, you need to ensure it's the right time for you to start the process and ensure you can dedicate time to it. I got a lot from the process but that's because I dedicated time to the process! I was lucky to be working away a lot during the process which meant I had evenings to myself to dedicate to completing everything required. I would recommend being really strict with your time-management whilst completing the process as the deadline comes around really quickly. 

I'd also recommend utilising all the support mechanisms you have to support you during the process. There is loads of support available on the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) website and I'd recommend reaching out to QTLS support if you get stuck as they are a really valuable resource.