The profile of a typical mentor

A mentor is essentially someone who takes an ECT under their wing, listening to their queries and offering their advice and knowledge when necessary. Mentors usually have at least 3 years of teaching experience and generally have an interest in continuous professional development.

A mentors' aims

A mentor will help support a teacher’s development by engaging with the programme content whilst also holding their teacher’s accountable for taking part in relevant events and self-study tasks. This also includes carrying out weekly instructional coaching sessions and observations to help keep track of their teachers progress, ensuring they are completing everything required from them. 

The mentor will attend a teaching school hub’s events when necessary, including any mentoring sessions and training where appropriate. Their role is vital in helping new teachers make the best possible start to their careers. 

A mentors responsibilities

Choosing to become a mentor means taking on many responsibilities. Throughout the year, mentors will attend clinics and coaching-on-coaching sessions to help them develop their instructional coaching skills. 

Weekly, a mentor will complete targeted observations with their teachers which will last approximately 10 to 15 minutes each time. Here at Three Rivers Teaching School Hub, we use a program called Steplab as a way to record notes, set actions and complete modules with your ECT.

Have you recently become a mentor?

Becoming a mentor can be a very rewarding experience for the individuals who chose to become one. At Three Rivers Teaching School Hub, we offer a supportive structure for your job role, providing you with the appropriate tools and resources to make your coaching as easy and effective as possible. 

The conferences we hold regularly help inspire our mentors to build their support group of regional peers, and our tailored mentor clinics help develop your knowledge and skills. 

Do you want to become a mentor?

At the Three Rivers Teaching School Hub, we run a specialist NPQ programme in Leading Teacher Development. The programme will provide you with an insight into the role of teacher development, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to be an effective mentor. For more information click here.