The pedagogy of teach first teachers: What are graduates in an alternative certification programme like as teachers?

This study aims to explore the pedagogy of Teach First teachers in schools during their second year, in terms of both impact in the classroom and teaching methods. Teach First is an alternative certification program in England based on Teach for America. A mixed methods approach, employing surveys of participants and headteachers, case studies of 16 participating schools and classroom observation, was used. Overall, the standard of teaching by Teach First teachers observed was good but largely focused on whole-class interactive methods, and somewhat conservative. The difficult circumstances of the schools worked in along with the inexperience of the Teach First teachers led to cautious approaches to pedagogy