ECT induction mentors: who to choose and how to support them

Induction mentors play an important role in early career teacher (ECT) induction. Read up on the best candidates and ways you can support them in their role.

Last reviewed on 15 February 2024
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 42698
Contents
  1. Induction mentors – who they are and what they do
  2. Who should I choose to be a mentor?
  3. Use training to get the most out of your mentors

Induction mentors – who they are and what they do

All early career teachers (ECTs) going through induction must have an induction mentor. This can be anyone, as long as: 

  • They have qualified teacher status (QTS)
  • They're not the same person as the induction tutor (if this can be at all avoided)
  • Trusts: They provide their support to ECTs within a single school setting (rather than a mentor supporting ECTs at multiple schools in the trust)

Induction mentors will:

  • Regularly meet with the ECT for structured mentoring sessions to provide targeted feedback
  • Work with the ECT and colleagues to make sure the ECT receives a high-quality early career framework (ECF)-based induction programme
  • Provide, or broker, effective support, including subject- or phase-specific coaching
  • Take prompt action if the ECT is having difficulties

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