ECF Mentor of the Month Case Study
gareth_1000.png "ECF Mentor of the Month Case Study")
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 Gareth Hardwick from Barnfields Primary School as our 'Mentor of the Month'. We had the pleasure of speaking with Gareth 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'm a class teacher at Barnfields Primary School in Stafford.
How long have you been an ECT Mentor and how many Early Career Teachers do you support?
I have supported and mentored lots of PGCE and degree students and helped other ECTs in the past, but this is my first full year being an official mentor to an ECT.
What aspects of being an ECT Mentor do you find most rewarding, and why?
It is great to see the huge strides of progress ECTs make in such a short space of time. All credit to ECTs as they are often in situations they are unused to where they could ‘sink or swim’, but the resilience, positivity and flexibility they show on a daily basis demonstrates the determination they possess. Furthermore, celebrating their successes is important. It doesn’t have to be the big things, but it is the small victories along the way that are often the most important to praise and applaud.
From your time on the programme, what skills have you developed and how has it helped you to support your ECTs?
I think one of the main skills mentors need to possess is the ability to listen. Quite often an ECT will just want to talk about a lesson or share experiences of their day. You have to remember that lots of things are completely new to them and they need that time to share, offload or just have that opportunity to discuss things through. Another skill that Mentors have to develop is flexibility and the ability to personalise their approach with different ECTs. Being a mentor is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and it is that ability to be flexible (which teachers obviously already possess) that is important.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an ECT Mentor?
Go for it. You will learn so much from your ECT that you can put into your everyday practice. It is lovely to be able to share tips and advice together. I have been teaching a number of years, but the amount I have learnt from my ECT and other teachers who are training or are new to the profession is amazing.
Gareth was nominated for this award by his Induction Tutor, Gayle Darlington. This is what she had to say:
"Gareth is a fantastic Early Career Mentor. He has the kindest nature and always goes above and beyond to ensure that our ECT is fully supported. As a year group partner, he sits with our ECT every week during PPA, guiding her through the planning process. During this time, he spends the time coaching her on lesson delivery - adaptive teaching, challenge, questioning, misconceptions etc. He has an open door, enabling the ECT to come and observe his practice whenever needed. He also ensures that she has the chance to continually observe best practice throughout the school. In addition, he guides our ECT on understanding and applying aspects that are unique to our school - behaviour policy, assessment etc. He always ensures that our ECT is supported with parental discussions. She has truly blossomed under his support and guidance. He provides her with well-considered, fair and constructive feedback. So many staff members have commented on what a wonderful Mentor he is and how much of a great start our ECT has had to her career. I cannot praise him enough. He fully engages in the programme. Most importantly, he has an inward desire and determination to help our ECT to succeed."
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)