In Part 2 of our conversation with Maths Teacher and ECT2 Laura Francis, we talk honestly about what really changes after ECT1 and why it genuinely does get easier. Laura shares how she moved from “this is doable but not sustainable” to feeling like a calm, confident teacher who can walk into school in September and hit the ground running.

We unpack the power of systems and organisation and a trusty filing cabinet so future you is always grateful. Laura talks through how she reimagined teaching trigonometry for mastery, why the thinking is the hardest part of planning and how she uses resources like Dr Austin Maths to support deep understanding rather than just procedures.

We also dive into using ChatGPT as a planning partner, building escape room revision lessons and motivating pupils with low cost rewards like Starbursts and ice pops. Laura reflects on boundaries, workload and why staying late as an ECT1 was a choice that paid off in year two when most days now finish by five.

Finally, Laura leaves us with reassurance for every ECT listening. There really is light at the end of the tunnel.