School Blog
How to Apply for Teacher Training: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about becoming a teacher? Our simple guide breaks down the teacher training application process, so you know what to expect at every stage.
‘How quickly I’ve built relationships with the children. As I train part time, I was worried I’d struggle compared to other trainees but I bonded with the children straight away.’
– Chrissy
‘My relationship with the children.’
– Molly
‘I just love when I walk into the classroom and the children are so excited to see me or tell me about their day.’
– Charlotte
‘It’s great to see how much the children progress, especially when it’s something they really struggled with at the start of the year. It’s so rewarding to support them and then see their excitement when they can proudly show you they’ve cracked it.’
– Hannah
The trainees discussed everything from classroom management to relationship building, workload to staff. However, one answer we really loved came from Charlotte:
‘My own tolerance and patience. I am way more patient than I thought I was and I have really quickly unlearned bad habits from working in the industry. I guess it’s been my own adaptability that’s surprised me, more than anything on the course.’
Their own ability to adapt and grow is a key strength many of our trainees discover in themselves during their first term.
‘It was during one of my appraisals – not only did my mentor say I did really well but she let me know that another member of teaching staff had been impressed with me. It was then that I thought, this career is right for me.’
– Chrissy
‘Two girls in my class actually baked a cake for me at home. You don’t always know how they view you, especially if they only see you a couple of times a week, but that made me feel that they really saw me as one of their teachers.’
– Molly
‘For me, it was during a drama activity and I could see that what I was saying was really getting the children to think deeply about the situation. I felt like I had stirred something in them and really gotten them to think in a different way.’
– Charlotte
‘I had a lesson at the end of October where the kids were all dressed in Halloween costumes, firemen ended up coming into the lesson and it was just a bit chaotic. Other teachers were warning me that it would be a tough lesson to teach – but the children stayed so engaged with what I was teaching and were genuinely excited to do the work, regardless of what was going on around them.’
– Hannah
When talking to the trainees about this question, it was clear that they all had a similar experience: balancing the workload can be tough! They all admitted that at times they didn’t feel like they had it under control. And that’s okay – it’s normal to find the course hard sometimes.
What really stood out was the sense of community. The trainees all took comfort in knowing they weren’t alone and leaned on each other for support and reassurance. At the John Taylor SCITT, we’re proud of fostering a tight-knit network of trainees and mentors to help everyone navigate the tricky moments. While the work is demanding, the consensus was unanimous – it’s 100% worth it!
Be ready to take on both positive feedback and constructive criticism and really take it on board.’
– Chrissy
‘Don’t feel like you have to be the perfect teacher right away, just go in and show your enthusiasm and your potential will be recognised.’
– Molly
‘Just embrace it and don’t worry if you don’t feel confident, the JTSCITT will give you all the tools you need to succeed. Be open to trying things and you’ll grow as you go.’
– Charlotte
‘It is really difficult, and you won’t be alone if you find it difficult, but it is worth it and so incredibly rewarding. Stick with it.’
– Hannah
The first term of teacher training is packed with highs and challenges, but it’s also a time of tremendous growth. As our trainees have shown, building connections with students, tackling unexpected situations, and learning from every experience makes it all worthwhile. Teaching is a journey, and the first term is just the start. Remember, it’s not about being perfect – it’s about showing up, trying your best, and growing into the teacher you’re meant to be.
Thinking about becoming a teacher? Our simple guide breaks down the teacher training application process, so you know what to expect at every stage.
At John Taylor SCITT, trainees learn from more than one voice. Discover how input from teachers, researchers, specialists and school leaders helps future teachers engage with evidence, develop professional judgement and build a habit of lifelong learning.
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What makes someone stand out at a teacher training interview? According to JTSCITT Director Mike Simmons, it’s not having all the right answers. Drawing on more than a decade of interviewing future teachers, Mike shares why curiosity, humility and a willingness to learn matter far more than perfection.
