Lynette Weaver
Sparrow Farm Infant & Nursery School
Advanced Skills Teacher (AST)
How long have you been teaching and where was your first teaching post?
I’ve been teaching for 30 years. My first teaching post was in Bournemouth, Dorset in a secondary girls’ school – my old secondary school actually. I taught English, Drama and French. I got the job because they knew I could spell --and sew, therefore I could help out with school productions!
How and when did you make the progression from Classroom Teacher to Advanced Skills Teacher (AST)?
I was a leading teacher for Maths and Literacy and really enjoyed meeting other colleagues. This spurred me on to apply for AST status. It was quite scary and I missed out the first time, finally achieving it in April 2004.
What made you decide to go down this route?
Long ago, I decided that being a Deputy or Head was not for me as I’d be out of the classroom for too long. I read about ASTs online and decided that this was the opportunity that I’d been looking for.
Please describe a typical ‘AST’s day’.
No such thing! In the Primary sector it all depends on what area you are asked to support. I could be teaching, supporting planning, advising on resources or mentoring teachers. I have two schools at a time and I divide my time between them over the course of a placement, usually about a year.
What support and resources do you receive from your school, colleagues or the LA?
My school and colleagues have been brilliant. They are always interested in what I do and if I’m stumped for ideas, I can ask someone to share their practice. In return, I get to go into other schools and bring back their ideas to share in return. The LA is always ready to help. If I ask for a resource, it’s been given. They listen carefully too to our CPD needs. We have regular networking meetings that are also attended by consultants and these are really useful.
Has working in a diverse borough helped to develop your skills as an AST?
Definitely. Intake has changed significantly over the past few years and the trend is continuing. It always provides new challenges. As an AST visiting different schools, I am really aware that schools are not at all alike. I don’t think that all teachers realise this.
Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
I’ll be close to retirement by then and probably ready to leave the classroom. However, I am also a teacher tutor for Roehampton University and may well consider carrying on with this part –time outside of my base school.
To find out more about being an Advanced Skills Teacher please go to: http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/ast/