We understand the crucial role that Mentors play in the success of the Early Career Framework. To acknowledge and celebrate their hard work and contributions to the programme, we have introduced the 'Mentor of the Month' initiative. This is an opportunity to recognise Mentors who go the extra mile to support their Early Career Teachers.

The winners of this award are selected based on their engagement on the programme, attendance at events, and nominations from their Headteacher or Induction Tutor.

This month, we are pleased to announce that the winner of the 'Mentor of the Month' award is Andrew Layton from Yavneh College. We had the opportunity to speak with Andrew about his experiences as a Mentor and the skills he has developed through the Early Career Framework programme.

How long have you been a Mentor and how many Early Career Mentors do you support?

I'm  Andrew Layton and I have been a teacher mentor for 4 years. In this time, I have mentored pupils wanting to become PE teachers, ITTs and ECTs through a range of different providers including Brighton, Coventry and Herefordshire universities. 

What aspects of being an Early Career Mentor do you find most rewarding, and why? 

I find the sharing of ideas, research and resources the most rewarding because it allows me to develop my teaching pedagogy whilst they develop their own teaching pedagogy. 

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an Early Career Mentor? 

The best advice I would  give anyone becoming or thinking of becoming a ECT mentor is to show patience and understanding alongside allowing ECTs to think and find solutions reflectively on their own teaching practice. 

What is the importance of great mentoring for an Early Career Teacher?

ECTs need the support, structure and guidance to allow them to take their learned ideas from their course/institute and use them to make effective and impactful decisions in their new school without feeling overwhelmed. It is important to develop scaffolding skills to stretch and challenge different ECTs, to make sure they all receive the best support possible. This will allow them to develop different aspects of their teaching depending on their strengths and weaknesses. 

Do you know an Early Career Mentor that goes above and beyond? Nominate them below:

Nominate a Mentor 

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)

Visit our ECF page