School Blog
It Takes a Whole School to Train a Teacher
In this blog, Mike Simmons, Director of JTSCITT, highlights the importance of the summer before teacher training as a valuable time for preparation.
Choosing a teacher training programme is a big decision for anyone thinking about becoming a teacher. It’s not just about finding the right programme; it’s also about navigating the application process, which can feel a bit overwhelming at first. At the John Taylor SCITT, we do our best to make it easy and straightforward. Recently, we chatted with some of our current trainees to hear about their experiences. They shared why they chose to train with us and what they thought about the application process – their stories might help you feel more prepared and excited about applying!
‘I saw the posters outside primary schools and would always see the words ‘train with us’ and I just thought, go on then!’
– Chrissy
‘I went to John Taylor High School, so I already knew about the SCITT through that. When I finished university and was looking at teacher training, I was debating between the university route or the school-centred route. I decided I wanted to be in school for the majority of the time and get more hands-on experience. I picked the JTSCITT because I know of its reputation and because it was local.’
– Molly
‘My children go to a JTMAT school, so I was in the schools quite regularly and saw how they worked. I liked the values and the ethos of the schools, and I know it’s a very well-renowned collection of schools, so I thought the SCITT would be a good place to train.’
– Charlotte
‘There’s a primary school that’s part of the MAT near where I live, which is also the school I went to when I was younger. I started wanting to be a teacher when I was very young, so I looked at what MAT the primary school was part of, and it was the JTMAT.’
– Hannah
When we spoke to the trainees, a lot of them mentioned using a teacher training advisor, which is a free resource funded by the government. These advisors helped guide them through the application process, from writing personal statements to preparing for interviews. They’re not specific to the JTSCITT though, you can use them to apply to any teacher training provider.
The trainees valued that the JTSCITT sent them clear and detailed information before their interviews. This included everything they needed to know about what was expected, tips for preparing, and some recommended reading
‘The JTSCITT gives you all the information you need, so as long as you read that and do what they’ve asked of you, there’s no reason you can’t smash it’
– Chrissy
‘It’s a simple one, but just look at classic interview questions for teachers – they’ll help you feel so much more confident. And even if you know which provider you want to train with, go for other interviews because it’ll be good experience.’
– Molly
‘Don’t overthink it. They don’t expect you to be the finished article; they just want to see that you’re thinking about the right things, that you’re genuinely interested, and that you’re mouldable.’
– Charlotte
The trainees all seemed to agree about what helped the most. They liked how clear and straightforward the JTSCITT’s resources were. The program told them exactly what to expect and how to prepare for interviews, and even gave them some suggested reading. But at the same time, they felt there wasn’t too much information. This gave them the freedom to show off their own styles and approaches to teaching, which they really liked.
‘Get a DFE Advisor for one! But I think it’s important to show your passion for teaching – they’re looking for enthusiasm’
– Chrissy
‘They’re not looking for a finished product, and don’t be afraid to do something a bit different.’
– Molly
‘Let your own self come through. Everyone is completely different on the course, but everyone has a reason for wanting to be here, and that’s what’s most important.’
– Charlotte
‘If you’re nervous ahead of your interview, look at the school where you’ll be delivering your lesson and check their scheme. Knowing what the children are currently studying can make you feel more confident about teaching something relevant.’
– Hannah
Hopefully, you now have a bit of a clearer idea of what our application process looks like. From deciding to apply to smashing the interviews, each step is designed to make you feel confident and ready to succeed. Their advice? Be yourself, show your passion, and use the resources available to you, like DFE advisors and interview prep tips. If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher, don’t be afraid to give it a go. The JTSCITT is here to guide you every step of the way.
In this blog, Mike Simmons, Director of JTSCITT, highlights the importance of the summer before teacher training as a valuable time for preparation.
This blog welcomes our new trainees to the JTSCITT, sharing more about our approach, our personalised support and building a teaching career.
Nervous to start your teacher training with us? In this blog, Mike Simmons, Director of JTSCITT, shares more about your first week so you can start your teaching journey with us feeling prepared and confident.
In this blog, Mike Simmons, Director of JTSCITT, highlights the importance of the summer before teacher training as a valuable time for preparation.
