School Blog
Trust the Process: My First Term as a Trainee Teacher.
In this blog, Mike Simmons, Director of JTSCITT, highlights the importance of the summer before teacher training as a valuable time for preparation.
The first week of teacher training is a unique and powerful moment. It’s when nerves meet excitement, reality meets ambition, and a cohort of strangers begins the journey to becoming colleagues, professionals – and teachers.
At JTSCITT, we understand that our trainees come from all walks of life. Some are entering the professional world for the first time, while others are changing careers entirely. That’s why the first week of training is designed to create a shared foundation: strong, supportive, and focused on the real work of becoming a teacher.
We spoke to Mike Simmons and the JTSCITT team to give you an inside look at what to expect from your very first week.
From day one, the training experience is rich and meaningful. Mike explains:
“Due to the diverse nature of our applications, we appreciate that some trainees will be entering the professional workplace for the first time and many will be career changing into education. We have to ensure that everyone has an equally strong foundation to build upon.”
The sessions cover much more than classroom technique. They set the tone for the professionalism, ethics, and expectations that come with the role. As Mike notes:
“There are some quite hard-hitting training sessions in the first week – but there has to be. Our role as a teacher extends far beyond the dissemination of knowledge.”
Expect to explore topics such as safeguarding, inclusive practice, teacher identity, and the professional responsibilities that come with working in education today.
One of JTSCITT’s key goals for the first week is building a collaborative, supportive learning environment. Trainees work in both whole-cohort and smaller group settings to begin forming the relationships that will carry them through the year.
“It’s all about building a collegiate and supportive environment. Trainees get to know each other, collaborate, and build relationships while learning about a range of professional considerations related to the role of the teacher.”
The JTSCITT team puts a strong emphasis on adult learning principles: open discussion, mutual respect, and a safe space for questions.
The induction week is purposefully full-on – it’s meant to challenge and energise. But it’s also carefully structured to avoid overwhelm.
“The induction period is always a little intense, but it has to be. That said, sessions are structured to ensure that after some of the heavier topics, there is time for reflection and to decompress.”
From structured check-ins to informal discussions and clear communication guidelines, the JTSCITT team prioritises wellbeing alongside training. The message is clear: you’re not expected to know it all, you’re expected to grow – and to support one another while doing it.
One of the key challenges new trainees face is adapting to the professional culture of feedback. It’s an essential part of teacher development – and JTSCITT tackles it head-on from day one.
“Feedback is professional, not personal, is a mantra of JTSCITT. Even if you’ve spent hours crafting a lesson, making sure every slide box is aligned – take the feedback and apply it. It’s not about how hard you’re working; it’s about how to secure effective progress for the students.”
Learning to hear feedback with openness is part of the growth mindset that great teaching depends on.
For new trainees walking through the door in September, Mike offers a single, powerful piece of advice:
“Trust us and trust the process. As accredited providers of ITE who have guided over 500 trainees to the award of QTS, we know what works well and how to build strong foundations. Don’t rush ahead – follow the pace we set, and you will develop over the year and reach the dream of becoming a qualified teacher.”
Your first week at JTSCITT is not just the beginning of a training course – it’s the start of a transformation. You’ll build connections, confront challenges, and begin to see yourself as a professional educator.
Yes, it will be intense. But it’s also carefully designed to prepare you for everything that comes next. With the right mindset, support, and trust in the process, you’ll lay down the foundations for a career that can change lives – including your own.
Applications for the 2025/2026 training year are still open. Get in touch below for more info.
In this blog, Mike Simmons, Director of JTSCITT, highlights the importance of the summer before teacher training as a valuable time for preparation.
In this blog, Mike Simmons, Director of JTSCITT, highlights the importance of the summer before teacher training as a valuable time for preparation.
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