logo
episode-header-image
May 2021
16m 9s

Top Tips for Mentoring a Trainee Teacher

Martine Ellis
About this episode

This episode topic was requested by Ashely in The Teaching Space Community. She said:

"I would love to hear about the most beneficial things you can have a student-teacher do before exiting the program and teaching on their own. This is my first time having a student-teacher."

In this podcast I am going to focus on general advice for those mentoring trainee teachers or new trainers as I do not have expertise in sectors outside of corporate and FE. To try to give a rounded response to this topic request, I also chatted to my wider Twitter network and will share some of their suggestions.

I am mindful that this is a massive area, so will not aim to cover everything in one short episode.

Incidentally, if you would like to join our community and help shape the podcast in the future, visit community.theteachingspace.com.

I'm going to split this episode into three sections. First I am going to share some of the helpful information I got from Twitter about mentoring trainee teachers. Then I will share some previous podcast episodes that I think will be helpful. Finally, I will share some tips from my own experience, having mentored several trainee teachers in FE and also candidates doing QTLS and ATS.

Highlights

From Twitter (03:06)

Nikki on Twitter (@nikkitel) said:

"I encourage them to consider their mental health from the outset and to understand that it’s ok to not know everything. I try to help them realise that if they don’t feel that they excel, it’s only for now. They don’t excel yet."

This reminded me of Carol Dweck's "the power of yet".

I completely agree with considering mental health from the outset - remember your oxygen mask.

Andy on Twitter (@guruteaching) shared an article on the topic he wrote, which I will include in the show notes.

One thing I loved about Andy's article is his point about showing your trainee how far they've come. Andy said:

"Finally, it helps for our trainees to see not just where they are going, but also where they have been. It’s too easy for them to be uber-busy, planning lessons, dealing with behaviour incidents, giving feedback and learning new subject knowledge for tomorrow’s lesson. Sometimes, they simply can’t see the progress that they’re making. Set aside some time to step back with them and with a smile on your face, show them how they have grown since the beginning of the course."

Chase on Twitter (@chasemitsuda) said it boils down to starting with empathy and share a great Brene Brown video that I will include in the show notes. He also said:

"Also believing that we are all learners, and teachers who have just started their careers have so much to offer, including fresh perspectives."

Finally, Jonathon on Twitter (@jonmedeiros) said, as mentors we can:

"help foster curiosity, self reflection, and adjustment as natural and important skills."

Useful Podcast Episodes (07:27)

I'm going to share and comment on a few recent episodes of the podcast that will help anyone mentoring trainees now in the future. Don't forget, you might need some professional development in order to fulfil the role of mentor effectively - some of these episodes will be helpful in this area.

I'll mention episode numbers - all you need to put in your browser is theteachingspace.com followed by / and the episode number in digits. There are also links in the show notes.

Following on from Nikki's wise mental health guidance mentioned a the start, it would be worth listening to my recent interview with Guernsey Mind's Chris Chamberlain (113). You could listen to help support your trainee better in this area - you could also recommend your trainee has a listen.

My interview with Joanne Miles about coaching is a must-listen - it is episode 104. Mentoring and coaching are on a spectrum and you are likely to need to be a mentor some of the time and a coach at other times. Understanding the difference between both approaches is key in giving your trainee what they need from you.

Episode 107 is an interview with Vanessa Mee who shares top tips for newly qualified teachers. Some of the tips Vanessa shares could easily apply to trainee teachers, such as time blocking, looking after yourself as a priority and planning to do less in the classroom (so the students do more).

Episode 103 is about managing emails. Often, trainees become overwhelmed with the admin aspect of teaching, so being in a position to support and advise them in this aspect of their teacher role is essential.

Similarly, episode 98 is my most recent time blocking episode - it is worth a listen so you can support your trainee to manage their time.

My Tips (10:38)

  1. Establish boundaries and expectations in the mentor/mentee relationship but also around work/study/life balance.
  2. Be available.
  3. Model, model, model.
  4. Facilitate.
  5. Encourage community participation.
  6. Encourage the use of research.
  7. Help them establish their teacher identity.

Helpful links

Up next
Apr 2022
An Update from Martine - April 2022
Links I mentioned: The Wellbeing-Driven Productivity Podcast Notes by Martine Martine's Website Martine on Twitter 
7m 53s
Jun 2021
What's Next for the Podcast?
Hello, it's Martine here, I am recording this towards the end of June 2021 and I wanted to give you an idea of what's on the horizon for The Teaching Space - in particular, the podcast. Next year is the third and final year of my masters in education - my dissertation year. I kno ... Show More
6m 20s
Jun 2021
The Power of a Personal Weekly, Monthly and Annual Review
Highlights Notion has enabled me to conduct a yearly and monthly review consistently for the first time ever. I am also refining my weekly review process. This is the first time I have managed this behaviour consistently, and it is game changing. This is a personal review - but c ... Show More
14m 50s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
62. Practical Tips for Thriving in the Classroom
We are so excited to share this special replay episode of Ashleigh’s interview on The Teacher Approved Podcast with Emily and Heidi! We had a great conversation about supporting new teachers and how veteran educators can play a key role in helping them thrive. In this conversatio ... Show More
31m 11s
Dec 2024
Bridging the Gap: How SLPs Can Empower Teachers
Bridging the Gap: How SLPs Can Empower Teachers to Support Students with Speech and Language NeedsIn this another energizing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie dives into actionable strategies for collaborating with classroom teachers to better support your older speech students ... Show More
20m 29s
Jul 2
Teaching Overconfident Students
🎙️ Welcome to ESL Talk! 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.In this episode of ESL Talk, we tackle the challenge of teaching overconfident students. Our special guest, Melanie from Diction HQ, shares her expert strategies and insights on how to effectively eng ... Show More
41m 58s
Apr 2023
EP275 What does it mean to “bring the best version of yourself” to the classroom? (with Elena Aguilar)
Who you ARE matters just as much as what you DO. How can you show up as the best version of yourself each day, not only for students, but in every aspect of life? I’m talking today with Elena Aguilar, a writer, leader, teacher, coach and the author of seven highly acclaimed books ... Show More
39m 55s
Jun 2022
Effective Learning for Teachers and Students
🎙️ Welcome to ESL Talk! 🎙️ A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers. This week, we are covering the subject of effective learning for teachers and students. We not only talk about what to consider but also how to teach it effectively. Goal setting and being efficient ... Show More
38m 34s
Jul 2024
224. Building the Classroom Culture [Getting Ready for BTS]
Continuing our five-part series on Building Effective Classroom Teams, this episode focuses on how you, as a team member, are responsible for establishing and nurturing the classroom culture with both the students and the staff. Your tone, your behavior, and your approach can mak ... Show More
14m 31s
May 2022
Episode 25 - Substitute Teaching Tips
In this episode, Kim recaps her own experience working as a substitute teacher, shares her tips for successful subbing, and strategies for how to build relationships early on in the class to support student autonomy, and ultimately, student engagement! Substitute teaching can be ... Show More
24m 20s
Jul 2024
227. 5 Tips for a successful Start Teaching Special Needs Students [Getting Ready for BTS]
What can you do in the first few weeks of school to help create a more smoothly operating classroom for teaching special needs students? I often talk about the importance of implementing strategies and systems to ensure your classroom runs efficiently and implementing some very b ... Show More
20m 49s
Dec 2024
Tips for Newbie ESL/EFL Teachers
Send us a textIn this episode, Jackie and Jennifer are sharing their top tips for newbie English teachers. Some of the tips include professional development, letting bad classes go, how to make a simple ESL lesson plan and more. You're sure to find some useful things to take ... Show More
22m 45s
Oct 2024
Coaching an Emotions-Resistant Client: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 222
How do you coach emotions with a client who doesn’t want to talk about their emotions? That’s what you’ll learn in this episode. In just ten minutes, Elena skillfully supports her “client” to consider the anger he’s experiencing with his administrators in a new light. At the end ... Show More
23m 16s