Find out why you should volunteer with us, from the people that know best: our volunteers.

Victoria Bamber, Volunteer Press Assistant

Teacher Support Network: my career starts here!

Leaving university and taking tentative steps towards growing up is a landmark that many students find more terrifying than expanding overdrafts and approaching deadlines. I was no different. After graduating from the University of Salford with a 2:1 degree in Journalism and Broadcasting I was fully aware of my next move, although whether the decision was a wise one was more than debatable.

I arrived in Edinburgh city centre, friends and worldly belongings in tow, with - it is fair to say - an apprehensive outlook. What had started out as a throwaway comment had ended up with 5 school friends relocating to a city where they had few contacts, no source of income and collective savings of around £23. Oops. For the first few weeks I cried - a lot. Jobs were scarce, family were worried and the household mice had begun to take over. Then I discovered a small internet article which was the beginning of a much appreciated turnaround.

After relentlessly searching for Journalism work experience and feeling my luck deplete with every dead end, I happened to discover an advertisement via Google from the Scotland branch of Teacher Support Network, who were seeking a Press Office Assistant to work alongside staff at the charity. I applied and after much speculation and wishful thinking, a meeting was set up with Vicky McDonald, who at the time was the Development Manager for Teacher Support Scotland. We met, had a Coca Cola on the park and discovered we had many things in common (besides the name). I began writing articles for Teacher Support Network in October 2010, on issues concerning those within the education sector and haven't looked back since.

One of the main reasons I decided I wanted to work for Teacher Support Network was that I felt very strongly for the charity and found the work they do to be both useful and helpful for all involved. I decided that if I was to undertake volunteer work it had to be for an organisation for which I felt passionate about and enjoyed working for - otherwise my motivation may be somewhat lacking. I usually write for 4 hours per week on my articles, but the freedom I get in working from home allows my hours to be flexible so that when I'm ready to work, I'm really ready, unlike those 9am lectures at university.

The great thing about writing for Teacher Support Network is the support and professional advice that you receive as a volunteer. To begin with I was writing one article a week for the website, but as I became familiar with my position I have been encouraged to write numerous pieces and also become involved with other aspects of the charity such as factsheets and press releases. After I have written my articles, I email them over to Teacher Support Network and receive feedback and advice almost immediately. A weekly phone call also enables me to discuss any concerns that I may have with my work and allows staff to clarify and keep me updated with my tasks for the upcoming week. This encouragement and healthy pressure has enabled me to grow as a writer in an environment where I feel that I continue to develop and help those working in an industry as demanding and stressful as teaching.

Teacher Support Network has been a great way for me to meet and write alongside professionals in the industry. Fitting my writing around my full time job (and board game schedule) has been surprisingly easy and writing for a charity which both of my parents had connections to has been an added bonus. As of September I plan to move to London to further my career in Journalism, I'm excited and only a little apprehensive about my move down south. I hope that a) I can continue writing for Teacher Support Network for as long as possible - hopefully interviewing for any paid employment which may arise and b) pray that Londoners can understand my strong northern accent and the fact that I like gravy with my fish and chips.

Brett Rodgers, Marathon Runner

Teachers need support and guidance

Brett ran this year's London Marathon on behalf of Teacher Support Cymru in a time of 5 hours and 14 minutes. Brett explains why he chose to ran for the charity:

"Teaching is such a big job. We appreciate the different issues and troubles that children have, but we don't think about those people dealing with the children," explained Brett on his decision to run for the charity. "We can't just expect teachers to do it. They need support and guidance as they have their own issues too."

Iona Siwo, Volunteer Press Assistant

Volunteering for Teacher Support Network has enabled me to improve my writing skills

After graduating at one of the worst times (economy wise), from Glasgow Caledonian University having studied a Communication and Mass Media course, I soon discovered finding media jobs or internships was becoming increasingly difficult. I moved to Fife to explore a different part of Scotland and hoped to find some new opportunities.

I decided that I needed more work experience but couldn't afford to commit to an internship for six months, working full time receiving only travel and lunch expenses! I was browsing the volunteer opportunities on Fife Council's website and found a vacancy for a Press Officer Assistant. I contacted the volunteer coordinator at Teacher Support Scotland who was so helpful, positive and friendly.

I work for the Press and Communications Manager who is very supportive and encouraging; I write weekly articles for the electronic newsletter. I help to raise the profile of the charity by looking for interesting stories about teachers. I like the structure and guidance the charity provides, I'm normally asked to write articles about various themes for example, stress finance and education etc.

I also wanted to get involved with Teacher Support Network, because I was aware of the practical and emotional support the charity provides. Having numerous friends and relatives working in the education sector, mainly in teaching, I wanted to help the charity to continue supporting them in their personal and professional lives.

While still working in general employment, volunteering for Teacher Support Network has enabled me to gain some much needed experience in the comfort of my own home. At times working as a Press Officer Assistant can be challenging, I like to find interesting stories in the news which can be time consuming. Adding to this, my current employment situation means the hours I work vary, I love the flexibility of the charity as I can research and write articles alongside other ongoing activities in my life. Writing for the charity has enabled me to build a portfolio of all the articles I have written as well as improving my CV.

Vicky Brown, Marathon Runner 

It is so great to be running on behalf of a cause that is so linked to my job

Vicky Brown, a primary school teacher from Derby ran this year's London marathon on behalf of Teacher Support Network.  She explains why she chose to ran for the charity and how the whole school helped her to fundraise.

"I've been teaching for 6 years, so Teacher Support Network is the natural charity to run for. It is great to be running on behalf of a cause that is so linked to my job."

"Everyone is helping me fundraise; the other teachers and the headteacher have been really supportive. All the parents sponsored me at parents evening," she said.

 

We are looking for everything from administrative support to exhibition stand support, from copywriters to translators to charity ambassadors.   If you are not sure how you can best help, try our new volunteer survey here.

If you already know how you would you like to get involved, click here to  complete our volunteer questionnaire.