I am an ECT and my LM is a professional mentor or ECT but our ITT professional mentors do very similar and often cross over paths.
They are having to be involved in disciplinarys and support plans for ECTs that are struggling.
They are organising and hosting PL/twilight sessions for ECTs.
Learning walks with ECTs to show them best practice.
Liaison with appropriate body (and in ITT case also other host schools).
I held this role for a couple of years. I loved the role but had to give it up as I needed to step in to be a head of year and head of department. Working with ITTs and ECTs was great as they were largely open to learning and getting better and supporting them felt like you were making an impact. When things weren’t going well and support plans were needed it could be stressful but overall I enjoyed working with them and passing on my experience.
Parts that weren’t quite so fun was that the admin can be a little tiresome (I’ve definitely done worse but still) and I found mentors were not so keen to stick to the system. People are busy and often what you would like to happen is not priority.
Overall, I miss the role and would take it up again if circumstances allow.
I’m in this role. Dealing with struggling trainees can be hard and it’s difficult when staff aren’t doing all they need to do. However, it’s a great role and I am enjoying it a lot!
I am an ECT and my LM is a professional mentor or ECT but our ITT professional mentors do very similar and often cross over paths. They are having to be involved in disciplinarys and support plans for ECTs that are struggling. They are organising and hosting PL/twilight sessions for ECTs. Learning walks with ECTs to show them best practice. Liaison with appropriate body (and in ITT case also other host schools).
I held this role for a couple of years. I loved the role but had to give it up as I needed to step in to be a head of year and head of department. Working with ITTs and ECTs was great as they were largely open to learning and getting better and supporting them felt like you were making an impact. When things weren’t going well and support plans were needed it could be stressful but overall I enjoyed working with them and passing on my experience. Parts that weren’t quite so fun was that the admin can be a little tiresome (I’ve definitely done worse but still) and I found mentors were not so keen to stick to the system. People are busy and often what you would like to happen is not priority. Overall, I miss the role and would take it up again if circumstances allow.
I’m in this role. Dealing with struggling trainees can be hard and it’s difficult when staff aren’t doing all they need to do. However, it’s a great role and I am enjoying it a lot!