What makes a strong applicant for Initial Teacher Training?
Caroline Downing, programme leader of Bedfordshire School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), gives us her thoughts on what makes a strong applicant for Initial Teacher Training (ITT).
So you’ve decided to take the plunge into making an application for Initial Teacher Training (ITT). You may be straight out of University, a career changer or someone who has worked with young people and feels that now is the right time to take the next step. Whatever your situation, it’s important to show yourself at your very best in your application to demonstrate to ITT providers that you have what it takes to become a teacher.
Who you are has as much to do with your chances of success as what you have done up to this point. You may have spent time working or volunteering in schools, have a strong academic profile or a deep subject knowledge which you can’t wait to impart to pupils. These are all great indicators that, yes indeed, teaching could be for you. However, you’ll also need to show that you have other subtler skills and personality traits that will support you as enter into the world of teaching and learning.
So what makes a strong applicant for Initial Teacher Training?
A genuine passion for wanting to make a difference to the life chances of children is key. In order to become a great teacher you need to have the grit and determination to want to make a difference to every child, every day… something that is not always easy to achieve!
Good organisational and time management skills are vital to support you in meeting deadlines and maintaining work-life balance.
As a teacher you never stop learning. An open and reflective attitude to continued self-growth will encourage an optimistic perspective to help you through the tough times and reach your full potential.
In both the staff room and the classroom you’ll need to be a confident communicator. However, it’s important to be approachable and be happy listening as much as talking.
You will develop and refine your own teacher identity over time, but think about what you can bring to the classroom. What parts of your personality will help you best support, challenge and inspire your students?
Teaching can provide you with a rewarding and fulfilling career like no other. Teachers influence the development of young individuals within our communities, which is a pretty special thing to be part of! So, take the plunge — teaching needs you!
Need help with your application, or simply want to talk to an expert about whether teaching is right for you? Register with Get Into Teaching for tailored support.
