Specifications

• This professional learning programme provides the opportunity for those in a mentoring role or aspiring to become a mentor, to build on their knowledge, understanding and skills of Mentoring Teachers in Scotland.

• Participants will develop a critically informed stance; reviewing and reflecting upon both theory and policy whilst developing an evidence-informed approach to practice.

• Participants will be required to reflect and record progress in a Learning Journal, and also engage in Collaborative Enquiry.

• This programme is underpinned by the National Model of Professional Learning and there are clear links throughout the Programme to the Standard for Career Long Professional Learning, and the Standard for Middle Leaders. The programme is also linked with current GTCS Policy on Mentoring Early Phase Teachers.

Programme Structure

• The programme is delivered over 8 sessions - 4 online and 4 in-person, and takes place from September to April. Each session runs from 4.15pm to 5.30pm.

• Programme Objectives for each session are clearly stated in the Learning Journal.

• Prior to each session, participants are asked to read one or two chapters in advance. The exact pages to read are set out in the Learning Journal.

• During each session, participants will work collaboratively on tasks as set out in the book. Answers can be recorded in the Learning Journal either during or after the collaborative session.

• Midway through the programme, participants will be asked to undertake Collaborative Enquiry - the findings of which will be shared at the end of the programme.

Programme Content

• The Programme is based on the 2022 book ‘Mentoring Teachers in Scotland’ Edited by Sandra Eady, Jane Essex, Kay Livingstone, Margaret McColl.

• The programme will cover content from 13 chapters of the book which are combined into the 8 sessions below:

1. What do we mean by mentoring?

2. The Scottish approach to mentoring

3. From student to employed teacher

4. ‘Meet my mentor’; Mentoring NQTs

5. Mentoring -CLPL Phase; for leadership

6. Development of reflection & dialogue

7. Observing practice and giving feedback

8. Fluency of Practice; Digital mentoring