Training Mentors

Effective mentoring requires effective mentor training

Mentoring support can provide a lifeline to those new in role, whether early career teachers or those taking on their first headship.  For example, according to a US Department of Education study, mentoring of newly qualified teachers resulted in a 30% increase in teacher retention and up to 5 months’ learning gains by students.

School systems are often keen to harness the expertise of high performers, and deploy them as mentors, yet many mentoring schemes can be hit or miss. The mentor role may be relatively unstructured, and high performers don’t always know how best to share their expertise with others. This is where mentor training can make all the difference.

Mindsets for effective mentoring

Mentors need fundamental coaching skills – the ability to build rapport and trust, to listen effectively and to ask powerful questions. They need to be able to adapt their approach for each individual mentee and for diverse conversations. But there is also a difference between mentoring and coaching. Mentors will have particular knowledge and experience to share. Learning how and when to do this – the power of effective storytelling – is a critical skill for mentors to develop.


Develop your skills as a mentor

There are some simple ways to set up the mentoring relationship for success. Enrol in a Mindful Mentoring Programme and learn how to build a trusting relationship, where your mentee feels comfortable to open up about their experiences, and to be vulnerable, safe in the knowledge that they will be supported. Explore when to listen and when to share your expertise … and practise your skills in both. Discover a practical framework to assess your mentees’ needs, and learn how to adjust your mentoring to meet their evolving requirements.

Hear how this literacy mentor found a new approach for her work

Interested in finding out more?

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We also offer pathways for mentors and coaches to gain formal coaching accreditation, as a Coaching Fellow or an Advanced Coaching Fellow. Reach out to our team so we can discuss what's right for you and your setting.

Mindful Mentoring
Programmes

Mindful Mentoring
Programmes

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Coaching Accreditation
Programmes

Coaching Accreditation
Programmes

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