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 ECF Induction Tutor.
This month, we are thrilled to announce Richard Kelso-Davies from Burton Borough School as our 'Mentor of the Month'. We had the pleasure of speaking with Rick about his journey as an ECT Mentor, and the valuable skills he has gained from his time on the Early Career Framework.
What is your role within the school?
I am now in my 26th year as a teacher having first started in 1999! Currently I am Head of Geography at Burton Borough School.
How long have you been a ECT Mentor and how many Early Career Teachers do you support?
I have been an ECT Mentor for 2 years, although I have been mentoring trainee teachers for around 20 years. Currently I am mentoring 2 second Year ECTs and a trainee teacher in her second placement.
What aspects of being an ECT Mentor do you find most rewarding, and why?
The most rewarding thing about being a Mentor is getting to work with Early Careers Teachers and helping them develop and grow their practice. I firmly believe in the notion that we can all develop, and that we never stop improving. Tailoring my sessions to the needs of each individual mentee and trying to ensure that my mentees have both sufficient support but also challenge themselves to grow and develop. This affords me the luxury of also critically reflecting on my own practice. If I am not able or willing to do something myself, how can I ask / suggest someone else to try it?
From your time on the programme, what skills have you developed and how has it helped you to support your ECTs?
For me the programme has helped fine tune my mentoring skills. I now feel better equipped to tailor sessions to the needs of each of my ECTs rather than simply follow a set path.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an ECT Mentor?
Go for it! Yes it can be time consuming, but it is also very rewarding. I am so thankful for the opportunities that it has afforded me.
Rick was nominated for this award by his Induction Tutor, Lisa Kane. This is what she had to say:
"Rick is Mentoring two year 2 ECTs and meets daily with them to support. Both are doing exceptionally well as a result of his excellent mentoring. He engages with the self study and the support he gives them is tailored to their needs, pushing them to achieve their absolute best. He has supported them as a subject mentor, critical friend, mental health buddy as well as a head of department. He is proactive at seeking advice and CPD to improve his own professional development and goes above and beyond to ensure all staff are supported."
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)