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.
At John Taylor SCITT, we believe that feedback is one of the most powerful tools for professional growth but only when it’s understood in the right way. That’s why our approach to lesson observations is built on a simple but vital principle: feedback is professional, not personal.
Every trainee enters the classroom with enthusiasm, creativity, and a desire to make a difference. Our role is to channel that energy through structured reflection, evidence-based feedback, and consistent professional dialogue. Lesson observations sit at the heart of this process by providing clear, developmental guidance that helps trainees refine their practice and build confidence over time.
Within our Secondary Programme, trainees benefit from two distinct but complementary forms of observation: ACE Appraisals and Formal Lesson Observations.
ACE Appraisals are lower-stakes, frequent opportunities for any experienced colleague to observe and offer constructive insights. They’re short, focused, and designed to keep development moving forward through regular feedback and encouragement. Before each ACE Appraisal, trainees identify two fortnightly targets meaning every observation starts with clarity and purpose.
Formal Lesson Observations, meanwhile, are higher-stakes and take place weekly with the trainee’s mentor. These observations provide a deeper, structured review of teaching practice, focusing on three strengths and three areas for development aligned to the John Taylor SCITT Assessment Framework.
This mindset underpins everything we do. We encourage our trainees to see each observation as a professional dialogue. A chance to analyse, reflect, and apply new learning. Whether it’s an ACE Appraisal or a formal observation, the focus is never on perfection, but on progress.
At John Taylor SCITT, feedback is a partnership. It’s honest, supportive, and rooted in our belief that great teachers are not born they’re shaped, refined, and inspired through continual learning and reflection.
If you’re ready to train in an environment where feedback empowers rather than intimidates, we’d love to welcome you to the John Taylor SCITT.
At the John Taylor SCITT, lesson observations are more than checkpoints – they’re opportunities for meaningful growth. By treating feedback as a professional tool rather than a personal judgement, we create a culture where trainees feel supported, motivated, and confident to keep developing their practice. Whether through ACE Appraisals or formal mentor-led observations, each piece of feedback is part of a constructive partnership built on trust and shared purpose.
If you’re looking for a training environment where feedback empowers you to become the teacher you aspire to be, we’d be delighted to welcome you.
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.
Choosing the right ITT provider is an important step in your teaching journey. In this blog, we explore what to look for in a training provider and explain how John Taylor SCITT’s school-centred approach, expert-led curriculum and personalised support help trainees build successful, rewarding teaching careers.
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.
