Mentors play an important supporting role for beginning teachers as they navigate their induction into the teaching profession. Not all beginning teachers will have access to a designated mentor. Depending on the school context, a supervisor may also take on the role as mentor, sharing their expertise and providing guidance on classroom practice.
An essential element of mentoring beginning teachers is to assist them as they practice new strategies in their classrooms, guided by the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers as a framework. An effective mentor supports beginning teachers to refine and develop their practice, to have a direct impact on student learning and classroom instruction.
Being an effective mentor
A combination of individual and group activities can be implemented to support school level induction for beginning teachers. A mentor will support beginning teachers by:
- observing and providing feedback
- observing and understanding teacher strengths
- modelling effective techniques and strategies
- co-planning
- co-teaching
- advising and supporting
- working with teachers to use data effectively
- engaging in problem-solving discussions
- conducting workshops to introduce new strategies
- developing and monitoring improvement plans and goals
- providing useful feedback.
Teacher mentor resources
Resources are available to help teacher mentors create quality school-based induction programs and support beginning teachers. These are available for current staff only.