What is great mentoring, and how is mentoring part of CPD? This is something we discuss a lot as university tutors, and we want to develop our discussions further. We have plans to create a working party on mentoring, towards the end of this year. If you would like to be involved in this, let us know.

In the meantime, here’s a quote from a trainee about a much -appreciated mentor. We’ve let that mentor know. Not all trainees take the time to express how they appreciate their mentor, though we very much encourage it. Thanks to all of you who are mentors, for all that you are doing with trainees this year.

“My mentor was helpful from day one. He was organised, efficient and approachable all of which helped me settle into the school straight away. I would send my plans over 24 hours before and he would read them and offer advice and help; this meant I always felt like I was on track. The feedback was always positive and more importantly constructive; instead of telling me what I did wrong he actively told me how I could improve as well as telling me what I did well and to continue doing so. I was also pushed and encouraged to take risks, activities such as planning a whole double lesson without using any existing resources were helpful because it made me strive to be even better. Essentially it was outstanding mentoring because it was, from day one, a two way process and I am thankful for that as it enabled me to teach to the best of my abilities.

Training the next generation of teachers is a wonderful role to have. Thanks to all of you who are involved in it, in whatever capacity.

Related