ECF Mentor of the Month Case Study
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ECF Mentor of the Month Case Study
We are excited to continue celebrating ECT Mentors and their vital contributions to the success of the Early Career Framework. The 'Mentor of the Month' award allows us to recognise those who go above and beyond to support their Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
Winners of this award are chosen based on their engagement with the programme, attendance at events and nominations from their Headteacher or Induction tutor.
This month, we are thrilled to announce Camilla Ramsamy from Stanborough School as our 'Mentor of the Month'. We had the pleasure of speaking with Camilla about her journey as a ECT Mentor, and the valuable skills she has gained from her time on the Early Career Framework.
What is your role within the school?
I am a Business & Finance Leader and have been teaching for 18 years. My role also includes being an ECT Mentor.
How long have you been a ECT Mentor and how many Early Career Teachers do you support?
I’ve been an ECT Mentor for three years and am currently supporting one first year ECT. Over the years, I’ve mentored many student teachers during their PGCE and NQT. I have also mentored and coached teachers. I really enjoy supporting teachers and like to offer support and help where possible.
What aspects of being an ECT Mentor do you find most rewarding, and why?
Its inspirational watching your ECT go from strength to strength in their teaching career. When my ECT's have tried a teaching and learning technique I've recommended its lovely to see the joy they gain when it works. I find it extremely rewarding to a be a part of their journey. I also enjoy seeing the progress made from when I first observe an ECT, to when I see their last observation. The confidence they have in themselves, their teaching abilities and how this positively impacts their students again is a joy to experience.
From your time on the programme, what skills have you developed and how has it helped you to support your ECTs?
I like my mentee's to explore their own methods and allow them time to critically reflect on their practice. From this I have developed my leadership skills by allowing my ECT's to take ownership, reflect and find their own solutions. The Best Practice Network training, has been a great tool in supporting mentors with resources we can dip in and out of to further support our mentees and it has also made me consider how I can continue to give constructive feedback. The programme also allows me to build on developing my coaching and mentoring skills. It has enabled me to continue doing another element of my job which I have a passion for and thoroughly enjoy. I am better at giving thorough feedback to ECT's in a positive and non-judgemental way which is crucial by not knocking my mentee's confidence.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an ECT Mentor?
Do it! As experienced teachers we have all picked up valuable and insightful knowledge which we can pass on. Its an experience which not only supports your mentees but allows you to grow as a professional. My advice is to really listen to your mentee and to constantly offer praise to help build their confidence. This will enable them to be more determined and resilient in their efforts and to not give up.
Camilla was nominated for this award by her Induction Tutor Adam Green and this is what he had to say:
“Camilla is an amazing mentor. She researches thoroughly each module and engages the ECT in constructive professional dialogue which her ECTs have said they found challenging but highly rewarding. Camilla arranges opportunities for her ECTs to share their practice with others and to be able to be the recipient of others good practice.”
Do you know an Early Career Mentor who goes above and beyond? Nominate them below:
Looking for more information?
Find out more about our Early Career Framework programme here.
If you would like any more information on our ECF programme, get in contact with us:
Email: ecf@bestpracticenet.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)