Ayeshas Community Education

Mentor Roles within the Teacher Quality Framework

Tutoring and mentoring and the role of supporting those in initial teacher training

The purpose of mentoring is to provide learners with a critical friend, in the early stages of their teaching career, someone who listens, provides support and encourages reflection. Ideally, learners should select their own mentor. It is essential that there is trust and respect in the relationship so that the learner is comfortable in approaching the mentor to discuss issues that are likely to affect their teaching.

Mentors enable learners to consider their own teaching/training practices and explore issues that arise with a view to identifying how they might their shape professional development. The mentor should not attempt to direct or take control of the relationship. The mentee must retain responsibility and the ability to direct discussions at all times. It is advisable that a mentor is not the learner’s own line manager as this may lead to a potential conflict of interest or a situation where the mentor finds it difficult to allow the learner to develop their own approach.

Mentoring involves:

helping learners to reach their potential
supporting communication and the development of interpersonal relationships
inducting learners into the organisation and ensuring they are familiarity with the systems and procedures
a new role and responsibilities clarifying to reduce any stress
providing the opportunity to reflect on experiences by offering another perspective
sharing good practice
reflecting on different approaches to teaching and learning in the specialist subject/area or context, particularly when the mentor is an experienced practitioner
offering the benefit of experience
facing up to any teaching issues with the mentee
empowering mentees to take control of their own personal and professional development.

The relationship between mentor and mentee is constructive based on open communications through:

gaining commitment to the mentoring process by appropriate matching mentors and mentees
getting to know one another in relation to the role and developing the relationship by exploring areas of need and sharing practical ideas learning together so that the mentee puts their development plan into action with the support of their mentor
reviewing, evaluating and modifying the relationship
recognising when the mentoring relationship has achieved its objectives.

A mentor should be able to offer appropriate specific subject or context support and guidance when required to do so. Alternatively, particularly in smaller organisations, it is useful for the mentor to suggest alternative approaches that help to broaden the learner’s experience.

Please email us at info@ayeshas.org to find out more information.

Please include the following details:

Your Name
Your current qualifications
Your contact details Telephone number
Your availability
Which of these courses you would like to attend

Is there any other course you would like to do in a women only environment

then tell us - by emailing info@ayeshas.org