Top Tips for Establishing Trusting Relationships between Mentor and Mentee by Mentor SHOOC

Remind them

mentorshooc — 2017-01-23 02:02:04 UTC

Keep a record of meetings so mentees can see progress. It's quite uplifting to remind trainees that only a few short weeks ago they were worrying about some aspect of their training and that now they have moved on. When they feel that they're not getting anywhere you can massage their egos a bit and show them the movements they have made.

Lead by example

mentorshooc — 2017-01-23 02:03:39 UTC

Don’t expect your mentee to do something you are not prepared to do; don’t tell your mentee not to do something they observe you doing. Leading by example is powerful and effective. Mentees who observe you taking shortcuts will copy you: they expect that the way you do things is “THE way” to do things. Similarly they are unlikely to follow advice if they find that it’s a case of “do as I say not do as I do”.

Be positive

mentorshooc — 2017-01-23 02:05:57 UTC

Be positive, open and confident – body language is key. Smile, make eye contact and project appropriate confidence. All of this will help both you and the other person to feel better at ease.

Protect time (and space

mentorshooc — 2017-01-23 02:07:05 UTC

Pre-plan weekly meetings together to ensure you have dedicated time. Ensure your focus entirely on your mentee. Book a quiet room where you will not be disturbed where your mentee will be comfortable.

Show you care

mentorshooc — 2017-01-23 02:08:05 UTC

Take a vested interest in your mentee – small talk goes a long way. Ensure you have a knowledge of your mentees hobbies and interests outside the workplace so you can begin to build a rapport that will be useful when developing a trusting relationship

Empathy and Concern

2017-01-23 10:51:15 UTC

Show genuine interest in a mentees life so they feel that they can approach you. Also show Empathy when things go wrong and admit and model when things go wrong for yourself. It happens to us all!

Make it a joint endeavor

2017-01-23 12:17:23 UTC

Remind the mentee that you can both gain form the relationship and that you can work together to get the best out of it. The mentor has experience but the mentee has ideas and new approaches which are really valuable to the mentor - it is a sharing relationship.

Empathise and push

2017-01-23 13:53:19 UTC

Like a lot of others here I advocate empathy - I think it's so important especially for new teachers. The experience of standing in front of a class for the first time can be nerve wracking and bring up all sorts of confidence/self esteem related issues. But the mentor needs to make sure that allowing the mentee to talk about that fear is balanced with addressing it. A good way is to ask the mentee to identify a step they are willing to take. If they are having a crisis of confidence, they might be afraid to teach a whole lesson but they might be willing to teach a section of it.

Find out what the mentee feels their strengths are (which perhaps wil be something you can learn from too) and where they feel they are most in need of advice in order to develop particular aspects of their performance

2017-01-23 18:34:30 UTC

Learning styles

jt45 — 2017-01-23 20:07:53 UTC

Try to understand your mentees learning styles

Don't gossip

2017-01-24 14:07:17 UTC

Listen to what they say but don't share that with others unless professionally necessary.

Take time to establish the mentees starting point

2017-01-24 14:39:51 UTC

Openness and honesty come from trust. When you can show that you can actively listen and support an effective relationship develops.

Address perceptions of power imbalances

2017-01-25 17:20:31 UTC

In some cases you might have to work hard to break down any perceptions of power imbalances. This might involve being really honest about your own experiences and highlighting areas where you perhaps haven't performed well, whilst of course ensuring that the focus is on the mentee. This will help to reassure the mentee, build trust and a platform from strategies to address emergent issues can be jointly planned.

Time and patience

2017-01-25 20:05:11 UTC

Take the time to get to know your mentee personally as well as professionally. Use postive body language and smile. Always be in the mood to listen no matter how bad a day you are having. Listen, understand and support. Share your own experiences good and bad so they can see it happens to everyone.

Smile!

2017-01-25 20:05:28 UTC

Be positive and encourage them to be positive when reflecting. They always do something good, so remind them, especially when they feel like nothing is going well!

Set Achievable Targets

2017-01-25 20:06:47 UTC

Set targets that are achievable with clear timings and support to achieve them.

Be there

kyoung26 — 2017-01-25 20:11:29 UTC

Let your mentee know when, where & how they can contact you - making sure you're available but also maintaining boundaries. When you are meeting, give them your full attention & make the time theirs. Allow them to be themselves, take an interest in getting to know them personally to create trust which will ultimately lead to an honest working relationship, in which honest discussions can take place.

Learn Together

2017-01-25 20:22:48 UTC

We can all learn from each other and should strive to continue learning whatever our level of experience

Be Human

2017-01-25 20:24:12 UTC

Build a trusting relationship as you would with any colleague

Trust develops if you are consistent in the way you approach someone. Always listen with engagement and try to empathise with the situations or problems described. Be warm and smile - even if you're having a bad day yourself!

2017-01-26 13:51:05 UTC

Ensure you have informal interaction as well as formal!

2017-01-26 14:47:40 UTC

Formal meetings are important to discuss progress. Informal interaction is equally important. Get to know your mentee, take an interest in them, who they are and their past experiences. Finding out you have something in common outside of school may be the link to forming a good relationship.

Investment

2017-01-26 15:04:44 UTC

Take the time to invest in your mentee as an individual rather than a product. Remembering learning and guidance is a two-way relationship. As a mentor its imperative you are open to learning too

2017-01-26 16:19:46 UTC

Get to know them

Make the Mentee feel welcome and make time from day one, this leads to getting to know each other and develop as a team of mentor and mentee. Get to know what the mentee does in their own time, sometimes common ground enhances the relationship. Make them feel like you have time for them even if you are really busy. Allow them to be able to challenge and show their own personality, allowing them time to reflect on their own abilities.

Positive and Interested

2017-01-26 16:43:09 UTC

Be positive about work, learning, students yourself and your mentee - this will creative a positive environment for them. Show interest in them as a mentee and their ongoing practice but also as a 'person' - their hobbies/ interests / family - it will show that you are not only interested but will give you a greater understanding of them and their individual needs.

Be honest and interested

debsgold — 2017-01-27 14:48:17 UTC

Show that you are interested in what they are doing and be honest and let them know that you are human. Reflect together.

Share your experiences

elearning29 — 2017-01-27 16:22:22 UTC

Share your experiences of being a mentee but don't be patronising or tell them what to do.

Be positive and welcoming.

2017-01-27 20:23:45 UTC

Get to know your mentee over coffee and cream cakes or biscuits. Always smile and be positive. Make a big deal over the positives and express developmental points as tiny drops in the ocean

Lead by example in all areas

ibanez_rach — 2017-01-28 11:57:01 UTC

By all means, allow your mentee to learn from your strengths and to share your systems and processes for approaching planning, marking and time management. However, never present yourself as the finished article. Show that you are developing your own practice too by sharing an area for development that you are trying to address and how you are going about it.

Be honest

2017-01-28 14:32:32 UTC

It is important to build trust within the mentor mentee relationship and one of the best ways is to be honest from moment one. Equally showing support and a joint work ethic, empowers the mentee and shows you are working together for their positive outcomes.

Making time

2017-01-28 16:14:08 UTC

Make the mentee feel like they can approach you during the school day. Even if you are busy, signpost a time when you could be available to talk to them. Structure the week and let them know when you could be available to speak (outside of the 1 hour weekly time set aside for a mentor review).

Time and preparation

2017-01-28 16:29:57 UTC

Ensure you have a regular designated time for your meetings. As a mentor be prepared with what you want to discuss, while being flexible to the needs of the student. They should also prepare for the sessions and appreciate the need for professionalism from the outset.

Make them feel welcome

cgaughan — 2017-01-29 11:38:08 UTC

Take time to get to know them as an individual and introduce them to as many members of the school as you can including SLT. Show them around the school before they start their placement and allow them to ask questions and advice.

Be a positive role model

2017-01-29 11:54:28 UTC

Remember to remain positive, the mentee is likely to be under a large amount of pressure and may not have the skills to cope whilst working in a high pressure environment. As menotr we have learnt to deal with the pressure and these skills can be a very welcome part of the mentoring process.

Show you are Human

louisejaynerees — 2017-01-29 13:08:12 UTC

Be prepared to share a bit about yourself. Develops rapport and sense of trust.

Get to know them

2017-01-29 16:39:24 UTC

Rather than making it all about their teaching practice, make time to get to know them and talk about things that interest them. Showing you care will develop the relationship and they are more likely to open up and ask for help or advice when they need it.

TIME and POSITIVE ROLE MODEL

2017-01-29 18:13:24 UTC

Always take the time to meet every week with the mentees. Be apprachable so if they have an issue or concern outside of the weekly meeting they feel they can come to you and sort it. Act in a professional manner and model what it is to be a well organised and planned teacher so they can use you as model to develop from.

Understanding their needs

2017-01-29 21:32:11 UTC

Listen and support- not all students are the same and they all require different levels of guidance. Be there when they need you the most with positivity and support.

Plan in advance

dcwalestraining — 2017-01-30 12:38:37 UTC

Time is often limited in busy working environments. Make sure you have taken time to plan ways you can support the mentee within the time you have available to you. Be clear and honest with this. Sometime we take on roles which we may not have time to commit to or we are given duties to complete. Being honest about these constraints can help mange expectations and grow respect. - all the things others have said about modelling behaviours/skills and relationship building are so important as well.

Be positive, smily and in a good mood.

s_heimler — 2017-01-30 14:39:37 UTC

The mentee might have had a bad experience, it is therefore important that, as mentors, we are positive.

Make time

2017-01-30 17:12:01 UTC

It is important to make time for your mentee in a professional sense but also to get to know them as a person as well. Talking to them over a lunchtime the way you would any other member of staff can go along way, as placements can seem lonely to some mentees.

Listen

2017-01-30 20:18:02 UTC

It is important that the mentee feels that you are REALLY listening to them. Time pressures can have a negative influence on this, si it's useful to remember Covey's 'Levels of Listening'

2017-01-30 21:01:05 UTC

Share your experiences as a student teacher or even experiences you have now where you have a 'bad' lesson to show that everyone is always learning. Be positive in this and be open about it as a learning experience.

Location

2017-01-30 21:19:04 UTC

Find a quiet place to carry out regular meetings away from other commitments and distractions

Get to know them and be yourself.

2017-01-30 22:00:20 UTC

A mentee needs to know that you are a genuine person that they can be comfortable around. The best way to do this is to talk to them, not just about school but about who they are as a person, their hobbies and interests etc. Once they can talk to you, you have the basis of a good working relationship, one that has reciprocal trust. As a mentor you need to be approachable and show that you care, in teaching this should come naturally. Be yourself, be professional and make time for them.

Two-way relationship

2017-01-31 15:55:04 UTC

The mentee needs to know you are human but also a role-model. Allow your mentee to see you going through the same experiences - preparing lessons and receiving feedback. share strengths and weaknesses between each other - find that common ground. Allow your mentee to see the learning process continues well into a teaching career.

Welcome

2017-01-31 17:31:36 UTC

Make yourself available to meet them on the first day, and check in with them as often as possible in the first few weeks, every day if reasonable. Make sure you offer your time whenever you can.

Trust and professionalism

2017-02-01 18:52:31 UTC

Get to know them early and let them know they can approach you about anything. Don't talk to others about what is said as it gets back and the trust will be over. Be professional and support their development and let them know you care about them and the job that you both do.

Be available from the off. If you aren't the class teacher make sure to make extra time to drop in when you aren't busy outside of your scheduled times. share your own experiences of being a mentee

2017-02-01 18:59:40 UTC

Keep the door open

2017-02-01 21:34:39 UTC

Mentees need to feel supported and know where they can turn to should they require any support

SMILE!

2017-02-02 09:45:18 UTC

Develop a positive relationship and trust from the outset. Be positive about the feedback you give and empathise with their unique situations.

Make Time

2017-02-02 15:29:53 UTC

Make sure to make time from the outset as you will doubtless need more than you expect. Make sure that they know that you are genuinely available and that you are happy to be so.

Smart listen

2017-02-04 14:48:58 UTC

Be a sympathetic, sensitive and supportive listener, but ensure your mentee is aware that talking about somthing isn't the some as doing.

Smile

2017-02-04 23:05:40 UTC

First impressions are everything. Make sure you are happy and friendly on that first meeting as this will set the tone for the entire working relationship.

Understanding

2017-02-04 23:09:18 UTC

Build up an understanding of how the mentee works and how they respond to different situations. These skills allow you to adapt how you approach them and give feedback to suit their learning style

Be approachable

2017-02-05 19:07:39 UTC

Take time to get to know the mentee from the outset. Let them know that you are there to help and support them and that you understand what it is like to be in their position. Make them want to talk to you.

Set Expectations

2017-02-08 13:40:14 UTC

Set expectations from the very beginning with a clear goal or goals to be achieved by the end. Make the goal(s) follow the SMART framework.

Be there

2017-02-08 19:39:23 UTC

Meet them on the first day and make it clear from the start that you are there to support them. Be honest so that when you praise them, they know you mean it and when you criticize help them work out ways to improve. Give them room to talk to you and listen to them when they do so.

Be approachable, professional, creating an environment where the mentee feels that they are supported throughout by establishing outcomes, feedback and expectations. Trust, honesty and integrity are key components.

a7034174 — 2017-02-10 15:34:11 UTC

Be present and available

2017-02-13 09:30:47 UTC

When you are listening in meetings to your mentee make sure you are actively listening and taking in what they are saying. Even if you have had a stressful day, it's important that your mentee feels that you have time to spend with them and want to be there. Make sure you will not be interupted and that you leave anything else that has happened that day at the door. On top of this, make yourself accessible and available in between meetings, even when you might not be physically present, make sure your mentee knows they can contact you if they need to.

Taking the time to get to know the mentee on a personal and professional level.

2017-02-15 10:31:45 UTC

Through making time each week for you to get to know the mentee, it will only help to develop their confidence and belief in your ability at helping them to become the teaching practitioners that they are looking to develop into. Not only that, it will make the mentee feel that they are able to come to you for help and advice in regards to any issues or problems that they may be having within their training.

Humility

2017-02-17 19:30:45 UTC

Be willing to share experiences that haven't always gone to plan but make sure that you also share how you managed these situations and perhaps what you learnt from this experience yourself.

Make a big deal out of the positives

2017-02-18 19:36:46 UTC

Make a big deal out of the positives and make the developmental points as tiny drops in the ocean.

Be Constructive

2017-02-21 11:31:54 UTC

Feedback and guild learner by setting short term and long term goals with the learner. Aways give positive and encouraging feedback first before you discuss areas of improve and good practice. make the mentee feel valued and discuss inspiring teaching methods.
Support them and make sure the mentee is confortable teaching the class and always be there for them.

Be positive

2017-02-22 11:50:25 UTC

Being positive helps to create more trusting relationship with your mentee. It gives them opportunity to be honest and to be able to approach you with any issues that may arise.

Welcome them

cdalton8 — 2017-02-22 11:50:35 UTC

Be the welcoming person in school that your mentee can turn to. Talk to them in the staff room and always have a positive mindset.

Dedicate time

2017-02-22 21:28:33 UTC

Set aside specific time for the mentee where they can talk about their feelings, issues that may have arisen during the time between meetings and focus on tackling those problems together, rather than leaving your mentee struggling on their own. Make sure they know that their feelings and struggles are important.

Build a positive relationship

2017-02-25 15:28:14 UTC

Be supportive and be there for them. Make sure they are aware that you will make time for them.
Get to know them, be interested in what they have to say.

Listen not just to what they are saying but how they are saying it

2017-02-28 16:51:42 UTC

Sometimes people can be giving you a front that you need to break through by considering body language and tone of voice

Honest & transparent

2017-03-11 17:01:49 UTC

Be honest and transparent with each other so there is less risk of miscommunication/ divergence in expectations etc which could affect the relationship.

Be Real

Nick_Russell_Hallam — 2017-03-13 13:48:20 UTC

It is important that the Mentee can see you as a role model in terms of the way you behave and work but at the same time it is important they they see you as a real person who has experienced real challenges and failures from time to time. This makes the advice and support you offer them feel more authentic and more likely that they will take it to heart than if they feel you are putting on an act or offering them textbook answers.

Make Time

helendaviesuk — 2017-04-03 12:10:23 UTC

As well as making time for the process of mentor/mentee, make time to get to know the mentee and work on the rapport - this will allow you to see what makes them tick and forge a relationship that will make the process easier

Don't be afraid to share your mistakes either

helendaviesuk — 2017-04-03 12:12:24 UTC

You are a mentor because you are experienced at what you do or the subject you teach. You learned somewhere, and that learning process may help the mentee - obviously only if the example is appropriate to the situation in hand

Trust in Three!

2017-04-05 19:47:53 UTC

The 3 things I would say establish trusting relationships are:

1) Make sure the trainee feels valued. Take time to get to know about them - why did they choose teaching? What do they hope to get out of their placement?

2) Prove that they will get your full support to help them develop as a teacher, and that there will always be an avenue to get additional support if they need it. Prove your support by ensuring there is a dedicated meeting time, keeping your commitment to it and any other planned support, and ensure they know where else they can get help.

3) Instill confidence in them that they can become a good teacher! Focus on the positives, reflect on their learning journey and developments, make sure they know you believe in them and encourage them to try new things and take risks with your full backing.

Be fallible

2017-04-07 16:34:44 UTC

Ask a new mentee to come and observe you teach because you are worried about/trying to develop x or y in your own teaching. Make this a real problem and ask for their advice.

Be approachable

2017-06-19 17:12:36 UTC

The mentor and mentee should get to know how each other works before the mentee takes on responsibility for a class. They should have a dedicated meeting time and set a clear agenda for each meeting. The mentor should model the expectations themselves and therefore the trainees will hopefully follow suit.

Honesty and Expectations

2017-06-19 20:36:37 UTC

Have a conversation with the mentee about themselves, you and the year ahead and what is to be expected of them and what you will do to help them develop. The year is long and hard but you will be there to help them along. Set your expectations and then follow through with them all the time and be honest from the start.

Don't be afraid to share...

2017-06-21 10:54:04 UTC

Don't be afraid to share your own experiences with your mentee. It is important that they have confidence in you as an "expert" who is going to be able to help them progress and they are only going to be able to do this if you show them you are. This is not to be boastful but to establish your own credentials. This might mean inviting them into your own classroom or discussing the path your own career has taken and the experiences you have of different schools.

Have a good relationship with mentee,get to know them take interest in their hobbies,likes and see what makes them tick,and it will help you in the process.Help talk about their feeling issue arisen at meetings and focus on tackling them.The advice you give should be more authentic and they will take to heart

nishrath2311 — 2017-06-21 11:44:00 UTC

Be yourself. Show you are human, make mistakes and care. Share something personal (I was up last night with my son etc), ask about their life outside school, remember what they say and follow it up. Talk about your own practise reflectively too-show them that teaching is never perfect. We are all learners.

2017-06-21 14:15:49 UTC

Make time

emmacoulson47 — 2017-06-21 18:50:31 UTC

Make time to form a secure relationship with the mentee. Build up trust by being open and honest. Establish expectations and have a clear agenda. Make sure that you lead by example and reflect on your own practice. Be challenging yet supportive. Set goals, help the mentee take action to achieve those goals. Aim to make them feel empowered and in control.

Be honest

2017-06-22 10:23:04 UTC

Say when you had difficulty with something or made a mistake. Share with mentee that it's ok to make mistakes - they are more likely to be open to discuss theirs.

Be approachable

nishrath2311 — 2017-06-22 16:52:22 UTC

As a mentor being approachable is key to many openings.It helps to develop in a secure relationship and makes the mentee more trusting to the mentor.As a mentor help your trainee whenever they are in need.Try to be their in person if possible. if not, make it easy for them to contact you.

Be reflective

2017-06-23 08:56:56 UTC

Offer advice based on a mistake you yourself have made before. Show them that everyone messes up sometimes and the best teachers just learn quickly from their mistakes. Make sure there is time available for them to reflect with you about where things may or may not have gone wrong.

Listen to your mentee's experience so far. Plan carefully to ensure that experience days are well prepared and build up towards the assessed block.

2017-06-23 15:23:04 UTC

Praise success and work together on targets for improvement.

Be sincere

sarahlouisepalmer — 2017-06-25 10:42:01 UTC

Welcoming, friendly and approachable. Treat each mentee as an individual with different ways of learning, learning styles and personality traits. Have self awareness and vary your style to suit.

Be approachable

2017-06-25 17:10:19 UTC

Its so important that the mentee is not scared to come to you for advice , they need to know they can come to you with any problem no matter how big or small

Build a relationship early on

2017-06-28 08:38:22 UTC

If a mentee believes that you are on their side from the beginning, it can save problems later on. Taking time to show them that you are concerned that they do well and feel good, that you're interested in them as a person, means that you don't have to correct later on.

First impressions

2017-07-03 20:18:20 UTC

The mentor should make a conscious effort to introduce themselves and make the mentee feel welcome as soon as they start their placement. It can be a very daunting experience entering a new surrounding.

Relationships

2017-07-07 11:49:37 UTC

The mentor should be extremely welcoming to the mentee and make sure they feel as comfortable as possible so that there relationship is off to a good start.

Be prepared

2017-07-11 11:12:46 UTC

If you have any feedback about your mentee from previous placements, ensure you have read it and know as much about your mentee as possible before the first meeting. This will enable you to engage with your mentee straight away. Make them feel welcome and ensure they are part of the team.

Really get to know your mentor by finding out about their home life, their background as well as their journey towards becoming a teacher. Building up a real understanding of your mentee will strengthen the relationship between mentor and mentee. It will show the mentee that you care about them and have time for them.

2017-07-11 21:47:43 UTC

be genuinely interested in the well-being of your mentee. 'Actively' listen to them, noting their concerns and views. Also be inclusive, inviting them to become a member of the wider school/team network.

kaze02 — 2017-07-29 12:24:56 UTC

Work as a team

2017-08-04 08:43:57 UTC

Try to establish a partnership between the mentor and mentee and focus on creating a positive working relationship. Show the trainee that whilst you are helping them by providing valuable time and useful feedback, they are also helping us to evaluate our teaching practice and learn how to do things differently.

Be welcoming and begin to discuss how the relationship will work

2017-08-06 12:51:27 UTC

Showing interest, discussing previous experience and their hopes in this new situation, help establish the relationship. It also helps show the framework for the relationship, a timeline, meetings, being encouraged to get in touch etc

Postive relationship form the onset

a_woods2 — 2017-08-07 15:03:08 UTC

Establish a honest and positive relationship right from the initial induction, outlining clear guidelines and dates for meetings. Ensure they feel as part of the whole school team from the onset.

Share your experiences through the year

2017-08-11 17:03:12 UTC

There are many pinch points in even an experienced teachers year. Share your struggles with your mentee. They need to see that it is OK to find it difficult and challenging at times, but you and they will make it though the other side stronger.

Be a critical friend

atodd9 — 2017-08-18 13:42:36 UTC

Knowing that you are there for them and will support them throughout their placement will help put the mentee at ease and help keep their well-being in tact. Don't just leave them to flap in the wind; coach them, train them, counsel them and facilitate autonomy when they are ready.

Smile

2017-08-23 10:43:41 UTC

A smile creates instant rapport and can help to make a mentee feel more relaxed and accepted.

Be a human being

2017-09-01 14:53:14 UTC

It is important that mentees realize they are going through a process, a process which we, as mentors, have gone through successfully in the past. Don't allow them to think that effective teachers start off at a point of perfection. Share your fears and mistekes from when you were training; do not be afraid to share current mistakes and ask how they would probably deal with them. They need to see that teachers at all levels are faliable human beings who are on a constant learning curve which does not end in the NQT year.

Welcome

2017-09-08 20:56:47 UTC

Welcome and get to know the mentee from day one. Find out about their previous placement, their future career plans and university. Be friendly and introduce them to colleagues, show them around and share humour to relax them.

Smile

2017-09-09 10:11:05 UTC

First impressions mean a lot. Make sure you are a friendly and supportive person who makes the mentee feel welcome.

Positive beginnings

2017-10-11 10:10:36 UTC

Set out the ground rules/expectations from the start and be reliable, kind and fair.

Be vulnerable too...

2017-10-11 14:31:40 UTC

It's likely there will be times when your mentee will need to share something that makes them feel vulnerable. For example, telling your mentor about how a lesson you delivered in class went really badly might invoke fears of judgement. To help mentees feel safe in sharing these experiences with you try to share experiences where you too have been in similar situations.

Honesty, Transparency and Consistency

2017-10-11 20:01:12 UTC

There is less risk of miscommunication leading to people getting off task or failing to meet deadlines which can get in the way or developing and establishing a positive and trusting relationship between mentee and mentor.

Start as you mean to go on.

rwood17 — 2017-10-12 19:46:39 UTC

Let the mentee know you are genuinely interested in their well being and their professional development. You want them to be happy and successful. Are expectations clear and celebrate success.

Smile

2017-10-12 20:34:22 UTC

Show them that you are a human being and that we are all learning every single day. A smile goes a long way and will show the mentee that you are approachable and there for support.

Understand them as a whole person

2017-10-13 15:15:35 UTC

Take time to get to know your mentee. Understand what they are like as a person (hobbies and home life) as well as professionally (previous experience, areas of expertise and development). Let them know you are genuinly interested in them as a person and their professional development.

Be reliable:

2017-10-14 22:26:50 UTC

Set out the ground rules/expectations from the start and be reliable, kind and fair. Make time for your mentee and make them feel valued. Model good practice personally, professionally and in the classroom.

2017-10-26 11:01:51 UTC

Share something of your own experience so that you can build empathy and trust. Share elements of your personal life where appropriate to show you are a human being and are relatable.

Be welcoming and clear

2017-10-26 20:16:12 UTC

From day one be interested in your mentee - what are their hobbies? Why do they want to teach? The more you know about them the more you can play to their strengths and help them with their areas for improvement. At the same time, be clear about your expectations and those of the school - for example, what the school dress code is or what to do in the event of a safeguarding issue.

Explain

2017-10-31 14:28:51 UTC

Don't assume that your mentee understands why you are doing what you are doing. Explain, and invite their reflections and input. You might learn something too!

Build relationships and trust

2017-11-05 10:34:42 UTC

Ensure that you get to know your mentee both professionally and personally, give them time to talk about how they are feeling and how you can support them, there might be things happening at home that are affecting how they are at school.

Positivity is key

2017-11-10 23:22:01 UTC

Be honest with your mentee, but try to stay as positive as you can. Days can be tough but it is especially hard training. Having someone there to tell you are doing a good job; that it is fine to ask questions; to have some to smile at you and to give you confidence when you are doubting yourself is absolutely vital.

Honesty

2017-11-12 17:52:09 UTC

I always share mistakes that I have made and talk to them about the challenges I still face after 7 years of teaching. This shows to them that everybody is always still learning and there is no such things as the 'perfect teacher'.

Sharing experiences both good and bad.

2017-11-14 12:42:19 UTC

Share with you mentee your positive and negative experiences. Things that have gone well, things you feel have gone badly. Be honest, share your strengths and weaknesses. Nobody is perfect.

Actively Listen

2017-11-20 17:56:55 UTC

Showing your mentee that you are listening to them will help to build a relationship By showing a non verbal response whilst they are speaking or paraphrasing in your reply, shows you were interested and listening carefully. Asking follow up questions will also establish rapport and build trust.

Positive and constructive

2017-11-22 08:54:23 UTC

Be clear and concise with your mentee. Demonstrate professionalism whilst being welcoming and interested in them. Share experiences with them, both good and bad. Make the time to fully engage with them and their learning.

Let them see and know you're human.

2017-11-27 20:56:15 UTC

Help mentees to see that teaching is a continuous learning curve and that you never stop learning or growing as a teacher so long as you keep reflecting and trying new things. Let them into your reflections on lessons they observe you teaching; if you tell them you know it wasn't perfect they might realise they don't have to be perfect!

Be approachable

2017-11-30 20:54:25 UTC

Mentee's need to feel supported and need to know that they have someone to go to when they need to. Make sure you make time for them, even if it's an email or a quick chat in the corridor.

Let the know everyone makes mistakes

2017-12-09 21:05:29 UTC

Even if you're the most experienced teacher in the world, you still make mistakes. Let mentees see/know about mistakes you have made so they don't feel so negative when they make their own. This way, they can treat mistakes as a learning curve!

develop rapport

2018-01-09 12:02:54 UTC

make time! develop rapport and show empathy.

Encourage and model positive self evaluation after each lesson (albeit maybe only verbally). Show that we all make mistakes and need to review our practice. Hopefully they will be open and more honest with you if they are seeing the same in you.

2018-01-14 14:33:42 UTC

Make yourself available!

2018-01-18 21:49:42 UTC

Ensure that your mentee always feels like they can come and speak to you at any time of the day. Be welcoming, open and most importantly, smile and be positive.

Ask

brands_tgps — 2018-01-21 16:46:56 UTC

Ask the mentee how they are feeling. Do they have any questions? How do they think they are doing?

Time

2018-01-21 22:08:33 UTC

Give the mentee your time. Uninterrupted time, with a clear agenda so the time can be used to the best for the mentee.

Be positive, approachable

2018-01-22 17:03:38 UTC

and smile at them. It is scary and all is new, so a friendly face goes a long way.
make sure that they know that you have times when you struggle, too and that you appreciate they new ideas they bring.

Listen and try to help them see that through each encountered experience, that they can learn from it and move forwards in a positive way knowing what worked and what didn't. Ensure that this is carried out in a supportive, constructive way.

2018-02-02 16:05:40 UTC

Give personal experiences when reflecting

hazy_23 — 2018-02-04 11:13:56 UTC

Make it clear that every teacher was a mentee once. Share your experience of when a lesson when well and when it didn't and what you did about it.

Let them see you fail!

2018-03-22 16:22:27 UTC

Not in a contrived way but just to show that even when we are experienced then we still mess up from time to time. Follow it up though with a meaningful discussion as to the reasons why and what you would do differently moving forward. every fail is a learning opportunity and it will help to build the mentee's resilience!

T.R.U.S.T T - make time R - build a rapport - get to know your trainees U - be understanding S - share experiences T - trial and error - allow your trainees to try out new ideas in a supportive environment

2019-02-26 19:35:00 UTC

Trust is a two way thing!

2019-03-02 15:27:45 UTC

Make sure you as a mentor also trust in your trainee. Be approachable, pick up on the positives, make it known that you are still learning too. Be patient and understanding but realistic!

2019-04-19 16:23:31 UTC

Wherever possible,have a designated day and time for weekly meetings with a clear agenda and shared expectations.

We have all been there!

melaniejade1988 — 2019-04-25 13:30:15 UTC

Reflect on the days when you wee a mentee. What did your mentor do that helped? What did they do which wasn't helpful? What do you know now that you wish you had known at the time? Whilst all our journeys are unique to us, considering our own experiences reminds us that despite how established we are, we all started somewhere.

Empathy

2019-06-25 20:46:02 UTC

Empathy and honesty

2019-06-25 20:46:02 UTC

Build a rapport with your mentee.
Have a set time and day for meetings.

Reflective

2019-07-08 21:09:27 UTC

Be reflective of yourself to allow others to build on their own reflection skills.

Be positive, approachable and human!

2019-08-21 20:44:13 UTC

Being human!

2019-08-25 15:23:57 UTC

Ensure your mentee knows from the beginning we are all human and make mistakes. The important part is that we learn and grow from our mistakes and in turn improve our practice.

Honesty

danielle_hilton — 2019-08-26 13:40:47 UTC

- Build an honest, trusting relationship from the very beginning.
- Reflecting on own practice and ensuring the mentee knows that you once, too, were in their shoes.
- Trust, dedicated time, empathy.

Humanity

2019-08-31 19:28:29 UTC

Show them you have a sense of humour, that you can make mistakes and that you are invested in their success.

Always be positive! Invest time in your mentee by getting to know them personally as well as professionally. Use positive body language and smile! Listen, understand and support, offering effective feedback and guidance. Share your own experiences – positive and negative, remind your mentee that we are all human and make mistakes. Every day is a new day!

2019-09-09 21:30:55 UTC

Talk out loud

2019-10-06 14:15:05 UTC

Make it clear that you have bad days too but that there will always be someone there to listen with a coffee and cake!

Show, don't tell

2019-11-08 07:33:34 UTC

Display and model the traits required to be successful during the process. Remember what it is like to be a trainee and almost go through the process with them again

Being open

2019-11-19 14:24:58 UTC

The mentee should be able to ask questions and feel they can come to you when they need you. And that they know that you will help them to succeed.

Be a radiator!

2019-12-01 17:16:27 UTC

Make sure that you radiate positive thoughts and trust. Let your mentee know that you will look for the positives and that your relationship will not solely be based on criticism. Do not be a drain, if you pull out the negative of everything around you then it is likely the mentee will think you will do the same with them.

Only Human!

2020-01-09 11:42:07 UTC

Be approachable and kind. Don't focus on all teaching standards in one go. Encourage professional dialogue about areas for development in a safe environment built on honesty and trust. Be supportive not critical. Also it doesn't hurt to share own experiences even a good role model has bad days and mentors are humans too!

Honesty, respect and humanity!

craig_richards — 2020-01-13 15:03:57 UTC

The mentor should be as open and honest as possible at all times with the mentee. Being able to celebrate successes and have potential difficult conversations, in a respectful manner is not always easy, but if this is not the case, this is where the relationship can deteriorate. Having empathy and showing a human side as a mentor, allows mentees to see that you are just like them, with your own personal, social and professional strengths and needs.

Impressions

2020-01-18 13:52:50 UTC

The first meeting is the most important, first impressions are everything.

Remind yourself how you felt when you were learning. Be open, happy and welcoming. Make the mentee part of your school.

2020-01-22 18:27:45 UTC

Share...

2020-02-18 12:21:11 UTC

Everything! Share stories about when you were training, share resources, tips, experiences - personal and work related, notes, constructive feedback, reflective notes, praise, post-its, cake...the list goes on!

Be professional, kind and fallible - a mentee needs to know that the mentor was once them, that they are approachable and supportive and that they are not perfect.

2020-02-28 16:21:18 UTC

Start and end with their voice

2020-03-24 22:57:07 UTC

Always start and end a meeting asking how the mentee is feeling. Help them feel that their voice and their experience is valid and that the meeting is about their experience, not what you think they should be feeling or where they should be up to by now.

Honesty

2020-03-28 14:49:18 UTC

The truth will always come out, and sometimes it hurts, but a relationship built with honesty is more likely to have that trust. Of course the honesty be both with positive elements and constructive improvements!

Time

2020-03-31 17:45:24 UTC

If you give someone time they will always feel valued and cared for. It may not necessarily mean dropping what you are doing that instant to support them but make sure they know you are willing to give time to the later, arrange this and stick to it. Time can help you to talk, advice, share practice ideas, improve their teaching and ultimately build a positive relationship.

Make time and show interest

2020-04-09 13:01:37 UTC

Ensure that you are always able to make time for your mentee throughout the day. Checking in with them outside of any dedicated mentor time is key to making them feel supported and valued and that as their mentor you are always there for them.
Showing an interest in them as a person, getting to know what they are doing and asking them how things are show that you trust them and value them as a person and not as someone who there to just occupy your own time.

Check in!

2020-04-11 22:30:48 UTC

Check in with your mentee on a daily basis to ensure they are ok - they are only human and may have things going on. It is likely to be a nervous time for them.

Time and Care

2020-04-15 07:38:35 UTC

Always make time for your mentee and make sure that they know you care about them as a person and their ultimate success.

Professionalism

2020-04-15 14:50:47 UTC

Your mentee will look to you for far more than how you behave in the classroom. How you conduct yourself with other staff, children, parents, outside agencies. How responsive you are to training and direction, contribute to CPD, talk positively about school, life/work balance. Part of the mentors role is also to help support their trainee in the professional world of teaching.

Lead by example and give your time

beth_robinson2 — 2020-04-19 11:14:38 UTC

Model ways/ ideas discussed so your mentee can see it in action. Don't ask them to do something when it's not something you would do in your own practice. Make sure you set aside a certain time/day to discuss targets/ worries/ concerns with your mentee - it will make them feel more valued and make yourself more approachable in the future.

Support!

2020-04-21 17:56:48 UTC

Be approachable, reflective, thoughtful and supportive. Model high standards for yourself and for them with care and empathy.

Be positive and lead by example.

2020-04-23 11:40:05 UTC

Always highlight the positives and help mentees to see just how far they have come in order to build their confidence. Mentees look to you as to how to conduct themselves in their new professional environment. Provide plenty of opportunities for them to observe you and other experienced staff members in order to create a bank of ideas for good practice. Make time to joint plan and/or talk through their lesson in advance so that they feel confident going in to the classroom.

Professional and empathetic

2020-04-24 14:40:11 UTC

Professional role modelling - so vital for new entrants to the profession. This includes projection of that strong moral purpose and passion for teaching.

Remember your starting points. Take a walk in their shoes. Observed all day, constant feedback and development ...its a tough year. Do all that you can to ensure the challenges are pleasurable and positive.

Be consistent with what you say and do. If your work or your conversations become erratic and inconsistent, your mentor may not trust what you say and do.

rebecca_wyles — 2020-04-27 09:40:58 UTC

Trust

2020-04-29 15:18:40 UTC

One of the most important elements in the mentor/mentee relationship is trust. Trust isn’t something that comes quickly or easily and instead requires time and patience to build. Without trust, relationships become tense and people become self-protective. Successful mentoring relationships absolutely depend on it.

Be empathetic.

2020-04-30 11:42:22 UTC

Be honest and open with your mentee. Show empathy and that you are there to support , guide and coach. Make time for your mentee and make your meetings positive.

Be positive and professional

beth_robinson2 — 2020-04-30 14:37:18 UTC

Never let the mentee feel like they're failing. Ensure positivity is shown through mentor meetings and observation feedback. Even if the lesson went very wrong, there WILL be positive somewhere, if only a small one. Keep discussions professional but make sure your mentee knows that you were definitely in the same boat as them however many years ago. We are all learning every day and no one is perfect.

Help them to walk in their own shoes... not yours.

2020-05-10 15:11:46 UTC

As a mentor you hold the answers, help them to understand how you got there through modelling. Take the time to explain your thought process behind an activity or why you stopped to explain something at a certain part of the lesson. Be approachable and positive for them, it is likely they are being very hard on themselves already. Make time for them consistently and make your expectations clear from the start to allow them to meet them.

Be honest but fair!

2020-05-12 21:10:58 UTC

Look for the positives and give effective praise where it is due. Lots of trainees can easily spot the things they think have been "disastrous" in their lessons but need to hear that they have a reason to go on!

Make sure that you are listening to what a mentee has to say not just offering your advice.

2020-05-19 15:03:20 UTC

I find that given an opportunity to explain their thinking and ideas really helps build relationships.
Allow mentees to solve their own problems rather than telling them what to do. What would it have looked like if it had worked perfectly for you? How can you get it to be closer to the perfect you have envisaged?
Offer the advice you have if they struggle or ask for it but avoid telling them what to do - it might not suit them.

Be open and honest.

2020-06-09 13:19:25 UTC

Be open.
Be honest.
Be available - dedicate time.
Be self-aware - your emotions impact on the people around you.
Be empathetic - understand what they are going through.
Be a good role model.
Be kind.
Be there.

Strike a good balance between formal meetings and informal conversations.

2020-06-15 11:05:31 UTC

Live coach

2020-06-15 13:57:40 UTC

Talk through what you are doing and why you changed things when modelling good practice. Verbalise your thought processes to the mentee so they develop an understanding around why you are doing what you are doing rather than allowing for them to make assumptions. These are often where misconceptions then arise.

Time!

2020-07-01 21:49:09 UTC

Make sure time is set aside for meetings and conversations to happen. An agenda ma be useful and keep a note of what is said. Always discuss positives in terms of achievements and not just what needs to improve.

Assessor not Oppressor!

2020-07-10 13:29:05 UTC

A Trainee will feel much more comfortable during assessed lessons, where a positive and supportive relationship is already in-place. Judgements on progress and feedback on performances are so much more digestible if a Trainee is able to share these goals with the Mentor.

expectations, time and space

2020-07-24 12:42:30 UTC

Set out time for them, where they have a professional meeting and clear expectations are established. state what you expect from them and what they expect from you .e.g tour of photocopier, resources that book you said you would bring in for them on behaviour etc. Have time where they know something about you outside of school so for me its my parrot, they get a parrot story and it adds lightness to the conversations and lets them see me more as a constructive friend and not the person addressing whether they pass or not.

Approachable, professional, available, caring, record, assess, guide, discuss.

2020-08-01 19:37:12 UTC

Always be there

2020-08-13 18:40:36 UTC

Be there to greet and introduce them, be there to plan with them, be there to discuss their concerns before lessons and celebrate successes after lessons, be there to help them reflect on their performance, be there to remind them to drink water or eat lunch or go and talk to staff, be there to remind them to have the Saturday away from their work or to treat themselves to some new stationery. Just make sure that you are always there to support them on a personal and a professional level and make sure that they know you are there.

Faciliation

2020-08-19 09:24:30 UTC

Facilitate a mentee's journey into teaching through good questioning and modelling your own thought processes through verbal metacognitive explanations.

Time and Patience

2020-09-11 10:40:16 UTC

You need to be on top of your own teaching, so you can give time to a trainee.

Listening

2020-10-02 18:59:15 UTC

Listen to how they are feeling- remember you were once in that position and remember what you were feeling during your training

Sharing

2020-10-05 19:49:06 UTC

Share what your own doubts or concerns were or even still are. Make it clear that doubts and concerns are normal , should be investigated and learned from - but are always likely to be replaced by new doubts and concerns. It is how you come to terms with that that counts.

Be honest

2020-10-09 10:40:24 UTC

Tell me if things get hard, sometimes I will be busy, sometimes you will have an awful lesson and it wasn't anything to do with your planning or ability, sometimes a lesson will be amazing, sometimes you will struggle, we all struggle.
And don't be surprised when students don't thank you. We're doing a thankless job.

Body Language

2020-10-09 13:53:11 UTC

Body language is key and smiling, making eye contact and projecting appropriate confidence.

Empathy

2020-10-09 14:35:49 UTC

Show them that you understand the position that they are in and help them through tough days and lessons when they need it but give them the time to put targets in place to help this to not happen again.

Time and Empathy

2020-10-10 10:17:36 UTC

Make sure you set aside time to meet with mentees regularly so that they feel they can approach you with anything and ask any questions they have. Also, be empathetic to the challenges that they are facing.

Empathy, Honesty and Kindness

2020-10-12 16:16:35 UTC

- Be aware of body language,
- Smile, be positive, supportive
- Good listening skills,
- Supportive
- Be flexible with time
- Support and adapt to mentee's needs
- Be understanding

Being supportive

2020-10-12 16:17:26 UTC

- Smile
- Be positive
- Give supportive feedback

Be Human

2020-10-16 19:49:35 UTC

- Be approachable.
- Make time for them.
- Let them know no question is a silly one.
- Sharing with them that the learning process never stops; share some of your own areas for development.
- Honesty.
- Clear advice - avoid mixed messages.

Empathise with the mentee - we have all been where they are - try to remember how hard it can be. Be kind.

2020-10-18 18:26:55 UTC

Honesty and support

2020-10-20 12:51:38 UTC

Nobody is perfect, even you. Letting your mentee see that you are only human and can make mistakes too. Them knowing that mistakes can be made and a lesson will never be 'perfect' will mean that if you do have to give them points for improvement not to take it too personally. At the end of the day, just like everyone, they want to be the best they can be.

Be You.

mfarn — 2020-10-20 18:08:49 UTC

Be calm, don’t let potential problems grow out of proportion. Supportive, ensure that you are there to aid freely and critique positively when needed. A rock, your mentee needs to see a glowing future in teaching and part of what you do is model that for them. As their confidence grows your patience and support will be rewarded with a confident new colleague entering the teaching profession and little by little your will role as a mentor will become one of fellow educator.

Be human

2020-10-20 19:20:41 UTC

Give your mentee the understanding that we are human beings which have amazing days and some tough ones and both of those are fine.
Give them real time. This means time where you are not distracted by anything else and a safe zone where they can rant, vent and for it to not be held against them.
Get to know your mentee and ask them questions linked to their life so they know you care about them and not that you have been lumbered with them.
Finally, clear communication and model what you want in return.

Explain

2020-10-21 09:56:11 UTC

Build a positive and open relationship. Explain as you go so that they see where and why you are making changes as they will be able to apply that to their own teaching. Make time for conversation and reflection. Let them know that they can ask anything and you will explain and support them in resolving any problems.

Always...

2020-10-24 08:59:25 UTC

- Be approachable.
- Make time for the and space for the mentee
- Let them know no question is a silly one.
- Sharing with them that the learning process never stops; share some of your own areas for development.
- Honesty and openness - clear communication
- Clear advice - avoid mixed messages.

Step into their shoes a little...

2020-10-28 15:25:34 UTC

- Remind the mentee that you were once in their position and know exactly how it feels.
- Don't sugar coat the fact that it will be tough some days but explain that you will be there for them at any point during their placement.
- For every constructive comment provide 5 positives.
- Share your best strategies but allow them to find their own styles of teaching.

Time out from teaching.

2020-11-02 12:23:02 UTC

As well as all the required elements of mentoring, take the time to also get to know your mentee. Have a cuppa and a chat and get to know them as a person. This will help you to understand them more, develop your relationship and help to discover their teaching philosophy.

Mistakes happen...

2020-11-08 12:45:29 UTC

Point out a mistake that you have made during your lesson or a way that you could have improved upon your delivery/resourcing to take the pressure of them trying to be perfect.

They are new to the game.

2020-11-08 18:16:23 UTC

Take nothing for granted because they are not mind readers! We all make mistakes - even vastly experienced teachers. So a little empathy and understanding will go a long way!

Support

2020-11-17 08:13:23 UTC

Provide support and time wherever needed for the mentee.

Relationships

2020-11-17 09:51:50 UTC

To build a trusting, open and honest relationship but also with empathy. To be solution focused together without recriminations.

Relationships

2020-11-17 09:54:44 UTC

To be open and honest without recriminations and to show empathy.
To create a trusting working partnership offering support and to help with solutions and offer support.

Support

2020-11-17 19:06:40 UTC

Be friendly, approachable and give time.
Show that we are all only human and be honest about challenges.

Share your own strategies and encourage use of

2020-11-27 16:45:28 UTC

Learn from each other

2020-11-27 16:46:49 UTC

Share your own ideas and strategies but also encourage mentees to do the same.

Take time for each other

2020-11-30 10:59:12 UTC

Your relationship will be better if you are not just mentor and mentee, but also friends and people.

Listen

2020-12-01 15:56:52 UTC

Ask questions but mainly listen and build a secure relationship where you can offer advice and support the growth of the individual as part of a team.

Listen

2020-12-01 15:59:15 UTC

Make the relationship develop from the time you spend together and make it a team effort.
Asking how they are, and really understanding their response will make a confident and secure professional.

Laughing is good

2020-12-14 20:43:40 UTC

Be able to see the lighter side of things - either in a lesson or just in general. The job is stressful at the moment and having a laugh is sometimes the best tonic

Let them speak

2020-12-14 20:46:45 UTC

Getting them to be able to identify what has gone well and what need improving in their lesson before you jump in and give feedback is vital for their own personal development

Be human and listen

Joanna_blackbourn — 2020-12-15 15:21:56 UTC

Set everything under the core values you develop with your mentee. You are both working together for a positive outcome and the journey may take twists and turns. Celebrate the good, take the quick wins, and remember learning from mistakes and reflecting on the impact of this new learning will be key to how practice will be improved in the future.
Show that you are patient and want the best for them and the children.

Support

2020-12-15 21:03:46 UTC

Let them know you're there for them. Be supportive, share good practice. Look for the positives.

Positivity Rocks!

2020-12-28 14:53:02 UTC

Be positive... always!
It's all too easy to think about the things 'we are not doing right'! Remind your mentee of everything they have achieved in the time they have been with you... they'll soon see just how wonderful they are!

Smile!

2020-12-29 18:16:55 UTC

First impressions are critical. Always be positive. Explain the changes for current issues. Be open to suggestions; it is a shared experience.

2020-12-29 18:21:39 UTC

Just be there...

2021-01-02 17:26:30 UTC

Be patient, empathetic, and above all, caring. Remember that the course they are doing is an extremely challenging one and that we have all been there! Work together, and it will bring the best out of your mentee.

Celebrate!

2021-01-04 16:04:01 UTC

Be positive with your mentee and celebrate what has gone well. Go over how much progress your mentee has made and what the children have gained from having the mentee with them.

Get to know them

2021-01-14 12:20:29 UTC

Get to know your trainee on a more personal level. If you have a strong relationship and aware of who they are as a person and more about their interest and skills. they will be more willing to open up and trust you as a mentor.

2021-01-14 19:53:44 UTC

Positivity all the way!

Being reliable, approachable and friendly.

MAKE TIME!!

2021-01-18 17:38:01 UTC

Ensure you make time for your mentee. Even 5 minutes at break or lunch can be so important for them to vent their frustrations or inform you of an amazing success. Time goes a long way!

Optimism!

2021-01-20 21:49:49 UTC

We all know teaching is a stressful job at times, but we do it because we love it. We want mentees to enjoy their placement and to be excited for their teaching career. We also want them to get better at what they do; we need to do this in a positive way, which reminds them of how far they have come.

2021-01-27 14:50:29 UTC

Reassure the mentee that the mentor is here to talk and that has also experienced this part of teacher training. Having an understanding of the challenges that can occur.

Positive Relationships

2021-01-27 17:47:10 UTC

Be friendly and approachable.
Be sure to provide support and make time for the mentee.
Showing them that the learning never really stops and that we are able to learn from each other.

Plenty of positivity

2021-02-02 12:45:04 UTC

Be approachable, make time and get to know the mentee on a personal level.

Positivity!

2021-02-05 20:41:12 UTC

Invest time in them as an individual- get to know what makes them tick! They are a learner too; impart your knowledge and promote enthusiasm- you WILL be rewarded!

Celebrate successes and work together on targets. Help the mentee to sustain a great relationship with your class. Invest time in yourself as a mentor.

2021-02-06 17:49:02 UTC

Lead by example

2021-02-09 10:30:57 UTC

Mentees copy everything you do and become 'mini me's' as they feel you are the teacher to be, so be careful with what you do! Always be profession and never ask the mentee to do something you wouldn't do.

Be patient, caring, friendly and empathetic with the mentee. Take the time to get to know them and their hobbies/interests. Understand their past experiences and what you can do to help them to progress with their career.

2021-02-18 11:09:23 UTC

Be kind

hj43 — 2021-02-21 12:00:11 UTC

Take the time to really get to know your mentee and build positive relationships. Let them know that you are always approachable and there to help in anyway you can.

Make time

2021-02-22 09:47:34 UTC

Ensure you make time to listen to your mentee. Have a dedicated weekly meeting that lasts for an hour. Be positive! Lots of praise!

Be kind and positive

2021-03-02 18:01:24 UTC

Remember that we have all been in their shoes once and we know how overwhelming the profession can be. Empathise and encourage them to take each lesson at a time - it is a learning curve that doesn't end once you graduate but that's the fun part of our career.

Time and approach

2021-03-02 18:51:48 UTC

Make time for your mentee. Always be approachable so they know they can ask any questions no matter how big or small. Make time to get to know them as a person, what they are looking forward to on the course but also listen to any worries they might have and be ready to support with these.

Kindness.

2021-03-05 17:00:38 UTC

Spend time getting to know your mentee on a personal and professional level. Be approachable - remember that we have all been in their position at some time, so remember what you needed from your mentor.

Spot the positives

2021-03-06 16:34:06 UTC

Be kind and really try to get to know them. Be approachable and show that you can always make time to support them. Spot the positives. Look for the positives in every situation. Help them to see the positives even when they feel it has been a bad day.

Symbiosis

2021-03-06 17:39:21 UTC

A reciprocal and friendly relationship benefits both mentor and mentee, leaving both parties feeling valued, confident and ready to face new challenges.

Sharing is caring

2021-03-07 18:04:20 UTC

Share your own experiences as a trainee. This is a great way of making sure your mentee knows we are all human and even the most experienced teachers do not get everything right all of the time. The classroom is all about learning and that includes the adults too.

Support

2021-03-12 18:03:33 UTC

Provide your mentee with support

Positivitiy

2021-03-12 18:03:58 UTC

Be positive and remind your mentee of all of the positive progress they have made. Remind them of where they started and where they are going.

Time

2021-03-15 19:22:04 UTC

Make time and don't make your mentee feel like a burden.

Questions

2021-03-21 20:17:12 UTC

Regularly ask them if they have any questions.

Role model

2021-04-20 15:04:48 UTC

Remember at all times that you are a role model for the job they want to do. Be positive, approachable and supportive. Make time for the trainee and create an environment where they feel supported and able to ask any questions and make mistakes. Celebrate all that is good about the job and their progress and turn negatives into positive plans of action.

Reflect!

2021-04-24 16:18:14 UTC

We all learn through experience so use this time to reflect on your own journey as a teacher and share your experiences with your mentees. Also, take the time to listen to mentees reflecting on their journeys so far and develop a relationship where you can relate, engage and empathise in a way to best prepare them for life as a teacher.

ITS OK TO MAKE MISTAKES!

2021-05-07 13:06:14 UTC

We all make mistakes whether you have been teaching for 2 weeks or 20 years so do not be afraid of failure or getting it wrong as long as you are learning from your experiences.

Be human and apporachable

2021-05-11 17:16:15 UTC

Show that you care and you have time for your mentee. It goes a long way and is very much appreciated.

Positivity.

2021-06-03 18:42:53 UTC

Use the praise burger approach during those scheduled meetings. I find a loose agenda with a clear meeting structure helps enable the best use of the time. Offer praise, then lead into the constructive criticism, then go back to praise as something to end the meeting with.

Be there.

2021-06-16 08:38:30 UTC

Make sure that you are approachable and the mentee feels that they have a place to say exactly what is on their mind.
Be positive (as they often struggle to do this) even when they are going through a difficult part of the training.
Get to know more about them as a person, not just a mentee/trainee teacher. This helps to understand if outside factors could be having an impact on their training.

Relationships

2021-07-15 12:42:24 UTC

I think there has to be some hard work put in at the beginning to build trust. You need to be an example to the mentee...it cannot be 'do as I say not as i do'. We are there to guide them, and that is in every part of our professional life.
Making time and a safe space is vital for dialogue to happen.

Be available. And smile! don't let them think they are a burden.

2021-08-11 11:11:15 UTC

Successes and support

2021-08-15 22:01:36 UTC

Remember to celebrate the successes and positives for your mentee. Keep a record of meetings and support given so that this can help to celebrate the success of the learning journey that they mentee is on. We are there to help whenever it is needed and they are joining part of a team that works and celebrates together

Make time for your mentee, even if you are really, really busy, put that to one side and be there for them! Remember how vulnerable you felt at the beginning of your teaching journey and be ready to support them with kindness, positivity and empathy.

2021-09-13 13:32:14 UTC

Make time

2021-09-14 07:22:39 UTC

Make time for your mentee, make them a priority during that time

Reflect

2021-09-14 19:54:17 UTC

Remember how you felt when you were a trainee and the stress they could be feeling

Be considerate, approachable and take an interest in them.

bscotthibbert — 2021-09-15 14:50:40 UTC

It is imperative that you support your mentor from the off. Ensure they know that they are a priority and you are here to support them. Ask questions to the mentee and build that positive relationship as soon as possible by being empathetic and lifting them up as opposed to bringing them down.

Be kind!

2021-09-15 15:59:36 UTC

Remember how it felt when you were starting out, it's okay to feel like it didn't go well. Remind them this is normal and you still feel like that some days! We all go to the negatives straight away, it's our role as a mentor to highlight the good things (there will always be lots!)

Make time

2021-09-16 17:22:32 UTC

This will create a positive working relationship and both parties will be able to help each other and share good practice

Be Approachable!

2021-09-19 15:42:21 UTC

Listen, make time, support and have empathy. Focus on individual needs as all mentees are different

Take time

2021-09-21 10:50:03 UTC

Take the time to get to know your mentee. What are their hobbies/interests? what has lead them to want to become a teacher? what are their barriers and how can you support them with these and most importantly take the time to talk to them. Build that positive relationship from your very first meeting.

Model

2021-09-26 09:35:10 UTC

Model how to reflect, e.g have them observe a lesson and show how you reflected on your own lesson.

Be human!

2021-09-27 21:56:20 UTC

Remember how daunting it is the first time you walk into your placement school, plan an activity, stand in front of the class. Be the mentor you wanted. Listen, give time and be kind.

Snack and chat

2021-09-29 14:12:14 UTC

Remember that you need time that isn't always about the classroom or the children.
Go for a walk round school and say good morning to staff together, have lunch together and not talk about what has happened in the class, but what is going on in their life.

Get to know them!

2021-09-29 14:19:12 UTC

Get to know your mentee and the experience they already bring.

Be kind

2021-09-29 23:35:21 UTC

Ensure you start the day with a warm welcome. Smile! Be approachable and provide time to discuss and reflect and highlight all the positives.

Make Time

2021-10-03 16:52:15 UTC

Make time for meetings and stick to them. Don't overdo targets/actions.

Share!

2021-10-03 18:47:12 UTC

Give a little of yourself. Let them get to know you too and share your journey with them.

Show empathy!

2021-10-03 20:54:11 UTC

Remember what it felt like to be a student in a new school yourself. Re-assure them that we felt the same and that we are here for them and understand how daunting it can be. Make them feel welcome and valued and that they are important to you and worth your time.

Be open

2021-10-03 21:24:53 UTC

Let them know you are human. Teachers aren't robot and having a life outside of school should be encouraged!

Reflection

2021-10-12 14:56:24 UTC

Think about how I feel felt when I was a mentee and think about the support and guidance I would have liked to have been given.

Be approachable

2021-10-14 13:01:26 UTC

Be available
Build a relationship of trust
Build their confidence

Smile!

2021-10-14 16:24:17 UTC

Make sure that your mentee sees the best in you as well as you seeing the best in them! Everyone starts somewhere and we all need to feel welcome and happy to shine!

Be a good listener!

2021-10-21 08:08:15 UTC

Be The Friendly First Face

2021-11-07 14:48:46 UTC

First impressions count, smile chat and make the mentee feel at home when they arrive, as first days can be daunting!

Give them time

2021-11-09 17:35:56 UTC

Make sure you complete weekly mentor meetings to go over reflections and actions.

Be empathetic

2021-11-11 17:20:14 UTC

Be empathetic to the trainee and support them on their journey.

Likes and Dislikes

2021-11-24 21:32:07 UTC

Find out what they like and their pertinent interests and help them to use it to feed into their sessions/planning.
Similarly support them to avoid start from dislikes and trigger points. Start in their comfort zone as much as possible and then build outward from there.

Actively listen and modelling

2021-11-27 08:59:35 UTC

Give them examples they can learn from and time to reflect on their own practice (either your own, or from expect teachers within your school). Actively listen to what they are saying and work together to come up with next steps

Be constructive and positive

2021-12-01 11:31:06 UTC

In discussions that take place with your trainee, try to be constructive with the feedback and positive in your responses. Everyone will make mistakes and errors in their teaching, particularly when training, but it is about being positive at all times and providing them with solutions to succeed. This will then have a positive impact of their self-esteem and self-belief.

Always be there!

2021-12-15 15:24:04 UTC

Let your trainee know that whatever the case, you will be there to support and guide them to becoming a fantastic teacher

Lead by example

2021-12-20 11:41:26 UTC

Don't do anything you wouldn't want your mentee to do, and don't ask them to do anything you wouldn't be prepared to do yourself.

Time

2021-12-23 09:48:23 UTC

Get to know your mentee - what are their interests and hobbies, why do they want to teach? What do they think there strengths are and how can they be supported. Take the time from the very beginning to get to know them and develop a positive relationship from day 1. Be approachable and celebrate successes.

Be Human

2021-12-28 13:30:56 UTC

Show your mentee that we all don't have the answers and that however many years you have been teaching there is always challenges and there is always something new to learn.

mlotysz — 2021-12-30 17:22:18 UTC

Be patient and caring. Keep a review of meetings for mentee to reflect and look back on, to see the progress they have made.

Share own learning journey

2022-01-03 14:41:48 UTC

Share experiences/mistakes and learning curves to make it clear that all teachers develop over time. Don't be afraid to have all the answers and proactively model reflective practices.

Don't be afraid to share times where you have failed.

2022-01-03 15:54:29 UTC

Showing yourself as a mentor failing and developing from your mistakes can be one of the most important things for a mentee to hear.

Empathy

2022-01-03 17:54:44 UTC

Teacher training was hard when I did it, and standards and expectations have moved on rapidly since them. It's so important to be aware of how hard our job is, and how much we do without even thinking about it. As a trainee teacher, they are taking on huge amounts of information daily. I aim to be aware of this, and so empathise and support accordingly.

Listen and then share

2022-01-04 15:35:39 UTC

Give your mentee time and listen to them...properly. If it'll help share times when things haven't worked out well for you - show them that the world didn't end and how you learn from everything!

Be a team

2022-01-05 17:00:10 UTC

Work together. Share ideas, teaching, mistakes and laugher. Build strength as a team.

Be a team and model the team approach with clear communication and honest practice. Use active listening and show interest and empathy. Remember what it felt like to be a trainee!

2022-01-05 20:05:18 UTC

Approachable

2022-01-08 14:31:35 UTC

Be open and human - give time
Be ready to respond to questions
Go through the process together
Live modelling - articulate decisions
Deconstruct and reflect
Enjoy the journey with them!

Smile

2022-01-13 11:44:23 UTC

Greet them with a smile everyday. Remember what it was like as a mentee. Be approachable and honest and give them the time needed.

Kindness

2022-01-15 15:13:08 UTC

To know and understand the value of kindness. Remember that someone once showed you the same kindness and that your mentee is deserving of the same care and consideration. Kindness should be at the heart of every classroom. If you give this gift to your mentee, in turn they will pass the same gift on to the children in their care when they have a classroom of their own.

Communicate!

2022-01-17 20:03:52 UTC

Openly share, talk, discuss, vent, laugh, cry. Let them know you are human too and that teaching is fluid, reflective and unpredictable! Some things work, some things don't and that's ok as long as you can openly reflect and model that practice to your mentee. Every day is a school day!

Take time to Listen

2022-01-17 22:57:17 UTC

Show an interest in their ideas, reflections and what they have to say. Recall their thought and use them in times when they need to reflect on themselves and their journey. Remind them of the journey they have been on.

Make time to listen

2022-01-23 17:49:14 UTC

Always have time to listen to your mentees. This might not always be in set meeting times. Make sure they can talk about concerns they might have as they face them. Remember to support and emphasis the positives.

'We' and 'Our'

2022-01-24 21:40:23 UTC

From the start, use the pronouns 'we' and 'our' so that the mentee knows you are in it together. This is partly their class now and they have to feel like they are a teacher and not just a 'mentee'.

Be a good role model

emmawhitelaw — 2022-01-25 21:44:43 UTC

Ensure you are leading by example to ensure the mentee is always being modelled good and effective practice with not only the children but other colleagues.

Take time to listen

2022-01-28 13:35:11 UTC

Take the time to actively listen to the mentee, ensuring that they have your full attention. Respond positively and always look for positives in order to develop their confidence. Remember we were all mentees at some stage and are all still learning.

Take the time to talk to your mentee. Share good practices and that mistakes happen and how we can reflect and learn form them. Be open and friendly and never forget that we have all been in their position, so we know just how they feel.

2022-01-30 19:20:04 UTC

Treat others as you would want to be treated

2022-02-02 15:34:01 UTC

I always remember my time as a mentee and from the very start, I wanted to feel as though I wasn't going to be a burden. So my first point is always to make the mentee feel settled. Discuss the things that make your school special and make them want to be a part of it all. I understand how busy people are but ensuring time is set aside is really important. Offering positive feedback that is offering support is something I always ensure I do. I want them to work hard but enjoy the experience of being in school, being that person who can support them throughout.

Model and model and how to reflect. Show that everyone is human and we make mistakes but show how you will resolve the mistake. Have fun and make sure you get to know them as well as share with them.

2022-02-07 21:44:47 UTC

You were them once!

bscotthibbert — 2022-02-20 22:22:01 UTC

Empathise with how it feels to be student and reflect with them on your own experiences and what you wished for out of a mentor. Positive discussions about what worked and what didn't in mentor-mentee relationships helps students to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and they are on their path to qualification!

Be approachable and positive

2022-02-22 00:36:03 UTC

Take time to listen and understand that things are going to be challenging - everyone makes mistakes - but find the positive and take time to reflect and what to do next time.

Be a positive role model

2022-02-25 12:30:37 UTC

Take time to demonstrate good practice in your own teaching and be on hand to offer an ear or support when your trainee needs it most. Maintain a positive attitude and try to encourage your trainee as much as possible to make the most out of their placement.

Be honest

2022-02-28 16:10:19 UTC

Build an honest and trusting relationship and empathise with the mentees situation.

Remember how you felt when you were training!

Time is everything!

hwood49 — 2022-03-04 17:26:17 UTC

Make sure time to build a relationship is the priority when you first meet a student. Get to know them and their learning style. Reflect on what that felt like personally and show empathy for the student throughout the placement. Give examples and models to support next steps.

Time is everything

hwood49 — 2022-03-04 17:28:13 UTC

Dedicate time to getting to know the trainee and their learning style. Make sure the foundations are there so that trust is built. Whenever feedback is given provide models and examples to support their understanding and follow up feedback.

Time is everything

hwood49 — 2022-03-04 17:30:38 UTC

Take the time to get to know the trainnee, their learning style, their past experiences- this all has an impact on how they feel stepping into your classroom. Provide models and examples to support them throughout their placement.

Together

2022-03-21 22:35:40 UTC

Start the placement with the understanding that you are working together and learning together. Setting targets that are achievable and clear.

Time and listen

2022-05-18 12:00:17 UTC

Always make sure you give plenty of time and listen actively not passively

Time.

2022-06-05 19:07:27 UTC

Time is everything. Take time to get to know your mentee. Make the time for positive relationships to build.

Show an interest in them as a person!

reneeleach — 2022-09-06 12:48:41 UTC

Yes you are there the mentor your trainee so that they can develop their practise but they are also human beings! Take an interest in their life outside of teaching, show that you care and this will make them feel calmer and more likely to approach you when you have an issue

Help!

2022-09-06 14:47:33 UTC

A mentee will be terrified on those first few days. Remember you were one once and what you can do to help them settle easier. Socialising in the staffroom, creating a welcoming environment allows them to settle much quicker and feel comfortable in school.

Build Relationships

2022-09-07 19:50:26 UTC

Take time to get to know your trainee, you don't know what they might be going through or what their strengths and weaknesses might be. They need to feel they can approach you if needed

Remember....

2022-09-09 16:34:17 UTC

We were all once trainees and its good to look back remember the difficulties (how your trainee may feel/struggles they may have) and the positives (successes that impacted your love for teaching) you faced as a trainee. Be empathetic to their training year and take the time to sit with them regularly, even its just an extra 10 minutes at the end of each day, support them and be a positive role model-show them each day how much you enjoy and value your job!

Be Kind!

2022-09-11 14:04:16 UTC

Appreciate that this is brand new for someone working with children. Give them time to adapt, learn and watch. Above anything show kindness and patience.

Make time

2022-09-12 13:34:28 UTC

Always make time, be friendly, open and positive both verbally and through body language.

Time

2022-09-22 09:09:00 UTC

Always make sure there is time to talk, discuss and reflect. Also show your mentee that you are listening and that they are heard. They are a value to the classroom and need to be made to feel that way.

Time

2022-09-23 14:08:13 UTC

Give them your undivided attention. Listen! Let them know you are there to support them and they are not a burden.

Give them enough rope

2022-09-25 14:20:02 UTC

Take some risks with your class so that the trainee has scope to make mistakes and learn from them. Give them enough rope to experiement and practice but be there to help if it does go wrong, so it doesn't end up beign enough rope for them to hand themselves with.

Be patient

2022-09-26 19:28:47 UTC

Regular meetings, being approachable, ensuring the student feels comfortable to ask as many questions as they need

2022-09-28 11:38:36 UTC

No teacher is perfect. We are constantly learning and developing and we all still have terrible lessons occasionally!

2022-09-28 13:48:38 UTC

No one teacher is ever the finished article - we are all constantly learning!

2022-10-11 10:57:36 UTC

Be kind!

2022-10-16 18:26:00 UTC

Everybody was a trainee once. It is very difficult stepping into a new profession, in which you may have very limited experience, and you cannot always expect things to go swimmingly at the start. Expect progress but understand that this will be different for each trainee - each with a different starting point.

Be friendly and supportive. Remind them they're doing a good job.

2022-11-03 06:44:36 UTC

Be understanding and supportive. Remember what it was like when you were a trainee, all the anxiety about planning and teaching lessons so give your mentee your time and patience. Factor in meeting times to discuss lesson observations but also reassure them that they are doing well and making progress.

2022-11-03 19:36:58 UTC

Be humble.

2022-11-05 10:54:40 UTC

Acknowledging that we are all still just practising and reflecting can go a long way to developing trust and confidence.

Remember we've all been there

2022-11-10 12:06:56 UTC

Be the mentor you needed when you were training

Treat your mentee as an equal and make time for them.

2022-11-19 20:57:29 UTC

There is nothing worse than feeling like you are a burden on someone who is busy. Your mentee should feel supported and that you are genuinely interested in them and their progress. They shouldn't feel uncomfortable around you or like they are inferior to you. Their should be trust and understanding between you.

Make time for your Mentee

2022-12-02 14:34:43 UTC

Ensure you have enough time in the busy week of a teacher to sit with your mentee and listen to them.
Try to be as approachable as possible and be kind but fair whenever you can.
We've all been there and we are all still learning, don't forget!

Build strong relationships

2023-01-04 21:02:21 UTC

Make time to get to know your mentee and to make them feel like a valued and important member of your team. Show empathy and support throughout their journey and be relatable- we have all been through highs and lows in this profession.

Sandwich idea's

2023-01-05 15:26:22 UTC

When giving feedback, give a short positive you've seen, before any criticisms. Then explain what could be improved upon, before leaving them on another positive. This helps with self-esteem and confidence.

Making time

Watercliffe — 2023-01-08 14:12:17 UTC

If your mentee needs to talk then it is important and time must be made. Nothing worse for a mentee than going home at the end of the day with unanswered questions and uncertainty.

Be kind and emphatic

2023-01-08 15:55:22 UTC

We were all mentees once.
It is important to support, make time for mentee's and encourage them.
We wouldn't expect the children to automatically do something, so we shouldn't expect mentee's to be able to automatically do everything. It's a learning process that is unique to the individual. The mentee's mental wellbeing should be considered throughout.

Guide them.

2023-01-08 22:34:55 UTC

You are a part of the mentee's incredible journey. Respect that we all bring different experiences and we all take different learning paths. Understand that we can learn a lot too and enjoy the voyage!

Get to know them...

2023-01-17 21:10:32 UTC

Remember that they are individuals as well as trainee teachers - find out what they are interested in outside of school.

Smile!

2023-01-19 01:11:22 UTC

Be approachable. Be positive and constructive with feedback. Make sure that development targets are SMART.

Give your mentee the time they need. Be approachable and always take their worries seriously.

2023-01-28 11:56:33 UTC

Share when your lesson goes wrong!

2023-02-01 16:29:33 UTC

Talk through how you learnt from it and make it a point of critical reflection for them too.

Support and guide

2023-02-05 15:10:48 UTC

Remind them that we have all been in their shoes before and we are all still wearing them! The journey to teaching doesn't stop at the end of their course, we learn as we teach and will do until the end of our teaching careers. Be open to learn something new every day!

Be approachable and listen!

2023-02-10 18:43:18 UTC

Sometimes we all just need someone to listen, no matter where we are in our careers.

Be welcoming! Ensure the mentee feels like they are part of a team

2023-02-17 01:32:31 UTC

Make time

2023-03-22 14:13:33 UTC

Make them feel as though they are part of the team and not a burden.

Be welcoming from the initial meeting

2023-04-29 07:00:27 UTC

Right from the first face to face meeting with your mentee be welcoming, open and friendly. Take time to get to know the mentee and their interests outside of a school environment to foster a trusting relationship. Ensure they know from the outset that you are both working together to build their teaching skills.

Give actionable advice

2023-09-19 16:08:22 UTC

Give advice in a way that is clearly and simply actionable and trackable for the trainee themselves so they can experience success from your support

Inspire

2023-09-21 11:33:15 UTC

Be understanding, show kindness and empathy, be an inspiring and positive role model. Lead by example and share in successes and areas for development.

Give the mentee time to develop

2023-09-22 08:56:16 UTC

Make sure targets are relevant to the needs of the trainees development stage, focus on specific areas for development and work on these rather than providing generalised feedback, ensure that you dont put too much on too soon

Be empathetic

2023-10-01 12:59:45 UTC

Create a nurturing atmosphere. Listen and support, show empathy and understanding. Every teacher was once a student, draw on your own experience.

Be approachable

2023-10-03 12:49:30 UTC

Always be ready to talk to your mentee about anything and everything, ensure that they feel comfortable in sharing the tiny questions as this will help their confidence in themselves grow.

Don't be afraid to show your vulnerabilities.

2023-10-06 09:02:32 UTC

Take ownership of your practice and identify where you think you could have done something different. The learning never ends and our mentees need to know that it is ok to get things wrong.

2023-10-16 11:00:19 UTC

Honesty and integrity from day one

Take an interest and share!

2023-11-16 17:59:56 UTC

-ask them about their interests and hobbies

-share your successes and failures

-check in with them daily and ensure they know they are a priority

Be human!

ladams132 — 2024-01-07 14:31:54 UTC

Tell your mentee about your own mistakes and lesson disasters. We have all been there! Never offer a criticism without offering a solution or idea.

Make time for them and make sure they feel an important part of the team. Take time to talk to them about them and share things about yourself to build a relationship.

2024-01-09 08:44:59 UTC

Time

Miss_Beach — 2024-01-11 07:54:01 UTC

Ensure your time with the trainee is fully focused on the trainee. Make it a priority (eg. close emails, block out this time for the trainee only)

We all started somewhere!

2024-01-17 16:11:47 UTC

I believe it is so important for mentors to remember where they started their teaching journey and to reassure mentees about the challenges and difficulties that you faced at the start of your career.

Kindness and empathy go a long way. Lead by example and acknowledge the challenges.

2024-01-21 08:30:27 UTC

Developing mentee's ability to reflect on her practice.

2024-01-21 11:59:57 UTC

Be kind :-)

2024-01-21 14:10:04 UTC

You never know what someone is experiencing internally, they are much more likely to share their honest thoughts if you are open and kind - only then will you be able to properly deal with issues & ensure you are all working towards the effective solution.

First impressions are lasting ones!

2024-01-21 19:08:58 UTC

Make time in the first instance to get to know your mentee and for them to get to know you. Trust is a two way street and your mentee needs to feel that.

Listen and remember that each mentee is an induvial and will need an individual approach.

2024-01-27 12:27:37 UTC

Take risks

2024-02-06 14:31:23 UTC

Encourage your mentee to try out new strategies without fear of failure. Learn from doing.

Be human

2024-02-06 16:05:43 UTC

Show it is ok to get things wrong. Explain it is how you adapt and change that is key. Show the positive, by including interests of students were possible and that you are just one person, giving your very best.

Take your time!

2024-02-18 20:56:00 UTC

You are allowed to make mistakes in order to find your own teaching style - no lesson has to be perfect and it may take a while to find your groove!

Be Welcoming

2024-02-20 12:24:24 UTC

Be approachable and friendly and available if your mentee needs to talk to you. Get to know them and listen to their ideas and remember to tell them how they are doing and be positive.

Be empathetic!

2024-03-02 22:07:58 UTC

Think about how you felt as a trainee teacher. Be supportive and make them feel part of the team.

Relationships and communication

abooth61 — 2024-03-03 12:17:08 UTC

The key is building the relationship from the beginning. Starting out with lots of communication. Being warm, friendly and interested in them. Making sure that they are not alone in what they are facing during placement.

Be a Team!

2024-03-10 16:03:21 UTC

- getting to know they strengths, hobbies and wants out of teaching.

- being real and true with them! Show them what the job is like.
- small talk

Remember

2024-03-17 15:24:48 UTC

We all started our teaching journey at that very first lesson delivered. Take the time to build a professional relationship with your mentee - one in which they will feel comfortable to speak to you and ask advice and you can reflect together. Communication is key.

Be Supportive!

2024-03-20 17:04:10 UTC

Remember when you first started teaching and all the worries/concerns you had, that is exactly as they are feeling! Create that open and safe environment where they can ask any questions or come to you with any concerns without feeling silly!

Good communication

2024-04-04 17:24:50 UTC

Share lots of praise with your mentee and celebrate their many achievements. Talk through everything and give plenty of time for your mentee to ask questions or share concerns. Be receptive to their wellbeing, especially as workload increases and observations begin. Support and help them. Share your own mistakes.

Think in their shoes!

2024-04-13 13:41:15 UTC

Be empathetic! This is a tough course where there are many demands placed on the mentees by both schools and the university course. We were all there once!

Take your time

2024-04-29 13:00:35 UTC

Give time to allow the students to develop. Plan in specific time to ensure there is good communication and all objectives are met. Enjoy the time you have together, try to have conversations that are not just about school!

Be Positive

2024-04-29 20:52:50 UTC

Always ensure the mentee feels part of the classroom and that you want them to be there. Ensure that interactions are always positive in the first instance and if an area for development is identified offer positive support - model it in action, offers for the mentee to observe others etc.

Kindness is Key!

2024-05-13 19:26:04 UTC

Building relationships is key to ensure you have a successful mentor/ mentee experience. Get to know your student and support them with a kind yet constructive approach!