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Train To Teach
Want to Teach?
A career in teaching at JSTC can be hugely rewarding both for you personally and for the students you come into contact with.
As a teacher, you have the ability to change a young persons mindset, goals and aspirations for the children of Alford and the wider community of rural Lincolnshire.
JSTC has a proven track record of nurturing and developing our own trainee teachers. This involves working closely with candidates to develop their skills, pass on the expertise of more established colleagues and to share the passion, commitment and dedication our staff have to providing our students with the best education we have to offer.
There are a variety of different routes for you to get into teaching through many local providers.
Why choose JSTC?
RESPECT
JSTC prides itself on creating a warm, nurturing and respectful learning environment at the heart of its local community. Staff are passionate about ensuring that students receive a first class enducational experience, in a happy and stimulating setting. As a school we value, appreciate and celebrate the achievements and efforts of our students and staff.
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RESPONSIBILITY
Staff at JSTC work hard to ensure that lessons are both engaing and challenging. Our carefully planned curriculum nurtures and guides our students, not only to academic success, but also to leave us as young adults that are ready to play a key role in the wider world. Roggether, we support students to excel in school, be happy and leave as confident young people.
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RESILIENCE
​JSTC values the contributions that all students make; in the classroom, on the sports field or stage, as part of a team in our school council, leading a primary school event or helping a young student with their reading. We believe that, in partnership with parents, we can make the difference and ensure that every student reaches their full potential.
Routes to Training at JSTC
Thank you for your interest in teacher training at JSTC, we would be delighted to welcome you to our warm, friendly school on the first steps of your teaching career.
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We work in assocaition with the following providers:
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Lincolnshire Teaching School Alliance (SCITT)
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Bishop Grosseteste University
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For more information, please contact us.
Our Commitment to You
Weekly Training - A tailored programme delivered by both school based and centre-based professionals.
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Secondary School Setting - Members of your subject area will support subject knowledge enhancement, as well as, your classroom teaching practice.
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Classroom Based Training - In a classroom from your first day in school.
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Success Stories
Mrs. Leavens- Teacher of History
My passion for history began with a simple comment from one of my teachers: “You are a very capable historian.” Those words stayed with me and set me on the path I follow today. Throughout my education, my teachers never gave up on me, they constantly encouraged me to push myself and achieve more. That support inspired me to pursue teaching, as I wanted to provide the same encouragement and belief to others.
I completed my history degree at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, followed by my PGCE in History, which I began in 2020. Teaching felt natural to me as I spent my teenage years helping my riding instructor give lessons to younger children and I loved it. My first placement was at John Spendluffe Technology College; my training during the COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges, from restrictions within the classroom to adapting to online learning. However, I was supported every step of the way by both the university and the staff at John Spendluffe. The school has a strong sense of community: it truly feels like a family. From the very beginning, staff members were welcoming, supportive, and always willing to answer questions, which made the experience both positive and rewarding. Even during my second placement, I stayed in close contact with mentors and staff from John Spendluffe, and that support continued into my first teaching role.
When I returned to John Spendluffe after a year and a half at another school, it genuinely felt like coming home. The early years of teaching can feel overwhelming: juggling workload, the emotions of teenagers and your own personal life, but having a strong support network within your school makes all the difference. It reassures you that you are not alone and that every teacher has experienced these same challenges. There is a special atmosphere within John Spendluffe, where staff consistently go above and beyond for both students and each other. You do not just gain colleagues—you gain friends who will make sure you can still find moments of laughter, even on difficult days. One of my favourite aspects of teaching is taking students on trips. These experiences allow them to learn beyond the classroom while also exposing them to cultures and opportunities they may not otherwise encounter. I also love seeing students take part in reward trips, as these experiences often create memories that stay with them long after they leave school.
My motivation as a teacher is to see students succeed—not only academically, but personally. From my own experience I know how a teacher’s words can make a difference. Being their supporter and cheerleader throughout their school journey is incredibly rewarding, and there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing them grow in confidence and go on to achieve success.
My advice to anyone thinking about teaching is simple: go for it and enjoy the wild ride. Every day is different, and that is what makes it so much fun.
Mr Smith- Teacher of Science and Science KS3 Coordinator
My journey into teaching began with my own experiences at school. I was inspired by teachers who made learning engaging and accessible, especially in science. They showed me that physics wasn’t just equations on a board and that it was a way of understanding the world.
I wanted to have that same impact on others. The idea of helping young people discover their strengths and develop a love for learning drew me towards teaching. Physics, in particular, felt like the perfect subject because it encourages students to problem-solve and think more creatively, allowing them to develop skills that are valuable in every aspect of life.
Training through Lincolnshire SCITT gave me the opportunity to learn on the job while being fully supported by experienced teachers and mentors. From the start I was part of a school community where I could develop practical classroom skills alongside educational theory. The SCITT route allowed me to build confidence gradually. I began observing lessons, moved on to co-teaching, and eventually I was leading my own classes. Regular mentor meetings and structured training helped me develop my classroom management and assessment skills. I also had plenty of opportunity to discuss lesson planning and different approaches to delivering specific content.
What stood out most was the supportive JSTC environment. I always felt that there was someone available to guide me as I needed it; it felt safe asking for constructive feedback and help. This hands-on approach prepared me well for the realities of teaching and made the transition into a full-time role much smoother.
Life as a trainee teacher was a challenging but incredibly rewarding process. There were moments when stepping into the classroom felt daunting, especially at the beginning, but with the support of my mentor and colleagues, my confidence quickly grew. Each lesson became an opportunity to learn and improve.
One of the most valuable aspects of being a trainee was the sense of teamwork. Staff were always willing to share. Whether that meant resources or an offer for advice. Looking back, the experience helped me develop not only as a teacher, but also as a professional. This helped me understand what was needed of me when I mentored a trainee myself.
Teaching to me is about more than delivering lessons: it’s about shaping confidence, curiosity, and resilience in young people. As a physics teacher I see every lesson as an opportunity to spark wonder about how the world works.
I believe teaching is one of the most rewarding careers because you get to make a real and lasting difference. Seeing students grasp a difficult concept and for them to grow in confidence is what motivates me every day. It’s about being a role model and someone who helps students realise their potential both inside and outside the classroom.
John Spendluffe Technology College has a welcoming and supportive atmosphere that makes it an excellent place to train and teach. The school has a strong sense of community, where staff and students work together to create a positive learning environment.
The focus on high expectations and respect ensures that every student is encouraged to succeed. As a trainee, I felt valued and supported from day one at JSTC. Colleagues were always approachable and committed to helping me develop my teaching practice.
The school’s emphasis on both academic success and personal development makes it a fantastic place for new teachers to begin their careers.
A key part of my role at John Spendluffe Technology College has been supporting students beyond the classroom, particularly through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. Being involved in DofE has allowed me to build strong relationships with students in a different environment. This involves me supporting expedition training and encouraging teamwork with groups of students. I have the opportunity to help students develop independence and forge resilience. It is incredibly rewarding to see their personal growth.
If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher, my advice is simple: go for it. Teaching is challenging, but it is also one of the most fulfilling careers you can choose.
Training through a SCITT gives you real classroom experience and this pragmatic approach helps to develop the confidence to succeed. Be prepared to work hard but also be ready to experience the incredible reward of helping young people grow and achieve their goals.
Miss K Legate- Teacher of English
When the opportunity arose to train as a teacher at the very school I once attended, I didn’t hesitate. Now, at the start of my career as a fully qualified English teacher, I’m able to give back to the community that shaped me, helping students recognise their potential in the same corridors where I once discovered my own.
My journey into teaching wasn’t linear. After completing my degree, I returned to my former school as a Learning Support Assistant, a role that proved truly transformative. Working closely with students who needed additional support gave me a deeper understanding of the complex challenges young people navigate each day. It went far beyond supporting literacy or comprehension; it was about building trust, nurturing confidence, and ensuring every student felt heard and valued. Being surrounded by such supportive teachers motivated me to pursue a career in teaching and to recreate that same sense of belonging in my own classroom.
When I was encouraged to take this step, I felt fully supported throughout my teacher training in a holistic way. The support from colleagues and mentors was invaluable and their guidance helped me grow in confidence and continually refine my teaching practice. I was also given opportunities to lead initiatives such as Newspaper Day and reading interventions like Reading Buddies, which supported my development both personally and professionally.
My successes were always recognised and celebrated, and many of these roles were so rewarding that I chose to continue them through my ECT years and into full-time teaching.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to reflect often. Teaching moves quickly; however, taking time to recognise progress, both yours and your students’, makes the journey meaningful. Returning to my school as a teacher has come full circle, and it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact education can have.