Why are Mentors vital to the Early Career Framework?
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Why are Mentors vital to the Early Career Framework?
The Early Career Framework has been implemented to provide crucial support to Early Career Teachers as they enter the classroom full-time after their Initial Teacher Training.
Upon enrolment onto the Early Career Framework, each Early Career Teacher (ECT) is assigned an Early Career Mentor (ECM). The ECM is there to support and help contextualise the ECTs learning to their setting. Alongside this, they also provide wellbeing support and guidance to allow the ECT to acclimatise to full time teaching.
So, why are Early Career Mentors so vital to the success of the Early Career Framework and why should they take on the role?
Mentor skill development
The importance of the Early Career Framework cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to the skills that Early Career Mentor’s themselves develop whilst on the programme.
As part of the Early Career Framework, Mentors take on their own self-study learning, further developing their leadership and relationship building skills. Through a combination of face-face and online learning, ECM modules mirror what their ECTs are learning throughout the year. This allows mentor sessions to be highly collaborative, tailored and insightful for both parties.
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“The opportunity to access and engage with case studies, real-life examples and liaise with colleagues ensures the best possible outcomes can be attained.” –Early Career Mentor
The Early Career Framework is structured in a way that supports the development of both Mentors and Early Career Teachers to build an overall more skilled school setting and better learning environment for pupils.
Boost retention of Early Career Teachers
One of the current biggest threats to the education sector is the retention of teachers, especially those in the early stages of their career.
A 2022 study conducted by Education Support found that '59% of teaching staff have considered leaving the sector in the past academic year due to pressures'
Early Career Mentors have the power to change the trajectory of their ECTs careers and can combat teachers leaving the profession. By sharing insights, best practices, and techniques, they provide important opportunities for Early Career Teachers to reflect and be challenged on their thinking in a supportive environment.
The transfer of knowledge and best practices from an established Early Career Mentor to their mentee leaves a lasting impact on their pedagogy and sets them up for a long and successful career in the classroom.
Personalised and contextualised learning
One of the most important aspects of the Mentor role is being able to offer personalised support to each of their ECTs based upon their school setting and individual strengths and weaknesses.
Whether an Early Career Teacher requires assistance with classroom management, curriculum development, or adapting to changing educational trends, Mentors can adapt module content and contextualise their sessions with their ECTs accordingly.
Mentors are an important pillar to the Early Career Framework and are vital to the success of the programme. Not only do mentors themselves gain invaluable leadership skills through completing their Early Career Mentor training, but they also play an important part in inspiring the next generation of teachers and shaping the future of the education sector. Their addition to this programme is invaluable.
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Looking for more information?
If you would like any more information on our ECF programme, get in contact with us:
Email: enquiries@bestpracticenet.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)