The role of a teacher training mentor is to support you both pastorally and professionally, to support you to become the best you can be.
Robert, an English trainee at The Campion School, reflects on how his mentorship from English teacher Emma has positively impacted his journey so far.
Creating a safe space
"My relationship with Emma is grounded by her ability to create a safe space for me to express my ideas, doubts, and challenges without fear of judgement.
“What I appreciate most is her constructive feedback and the genuine enthusiasm she shows for my growth as an educator. Her ability to listen attentively and provide tailored advice has been incredibly impactful, as well as the tea and biscuits for those days I need them!”
Tailored feedback
He added: "Emma has given me so many excellent suggestions on how to progress as an educator. For instance, how best to plan and deliver classroom tasks, as well as best practice when enforcing behavioural expectations and routines.
“Our feedback-driven conversations always leave me feeling proud of the progress I have made, paired with excellent suggestions that are hugely helpful. Her advice is not only tailored but always paired with actionable steps so that I can develop in a manageable way.”
Navigating classroom challenges
Navigating classroom challenges is another area where Emma's mentorship has been invaluable. “One major challenge was addressing the varying levels of academic readiness among students; I often felt overwhelmed trying to cater to everyone. My mentor guided me in designing tiered activities and using formative assessments to better understand and address students’ needs, which made me more confident and effective in my work.”
Throughout Emma’s mentorship, Robert's teaching style has evolved significantly. “My expectations for behaviour, enforcing of classroom rules and routines, and my pedagogy have all improved thanks to my many valued meetings with my mentor.
“Her suggestions encourage me to improve with every lesson I teach, by being more responsive to students’ needs and incorporating elements that foster collaboration and engagement in lessons.”
The power of mentorship
Robert added: "My mentoring experience has cemented my goal of becoming a reflective and inclusive educator. I aim to inspire and support both students and colleagues, fostering growth and collaboration.
“To future trainee teachers: seize every opportunity to observe, ask questions, and practice. Build a strong rapport with your mentor and seek their feedback. Embrace the learning process; every lesson is a chance to reflect and improve. We may be training to teach, but we are also there to learn.”
A mentor's perspective
Emma also found the mentoring experience rewarding. She said: "I personally consider it a privilege to work with those who will become the future of education. Teaching, for me, is so multi-faceted that I felt it important to ensure our mentor/mentee relationship was based on trust, honesty and a shared goal, qualities that I would also seek from a mentor.”
She added: “I think it is incredibly important that mentees know how much we learn from them too, this process is also sharpening my classroom practice and pedagogy - I would absolutely recommend taking on such a crucial role.”