GTCS launches new guidance on probation supporters

A new information leaflet on how to select mentors for probationer teachers has been launched by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).

Providing guidance on everything from selection and training to support, the leaflet aims to help key stakeholders select the people who will mentor probationer teachers.

GTCS Professional Officer for Probation, Ron Clarke said:

"The role of the supporter is a key one in the successful running of the Teacher Induction Scheme and many teachers have done a wonderful job of providing probationers with a good quality and level of support.

"Our aim for developing the new "Probation Supporter Guidance" is to further enhance this element of the scheme by developing a consistency in the areas of supporter selection, training and support and in turn develop consistency in the way that probationer teachers are supported.

"The GTCS has had a key role in the implementation of the Teacher Induction Scheme in Scotland. Also, through our close working relationship with local authorities and from carrying out our own monitoring and evaluation of the Scheme, we have ensured that it has been developed and enhanced since its inception in 2002. Our attention has most recently been focused on the provision of a supporter or mentor to every probationer teacher."

Two probation managers from North Ayrshire who mentor probationer teachers, Mairi Cunningham and Alison Young said the guidance has proved useful:

"In North Ayrshire we very much welcome the development of this GTCS guidance.

"This has been used to re-affirm the procedures we advise and the support programme we provide. It is a useful and re-assuring development and has proved invaluable when reviewing the CPD input available to probation supporters in North Ayrshire.

"For many supporters, it will provide them with greater clarity about their role and provide a clear insight into the personal and professional attributes they have and which have been identified by others in their school. We would also hope that this would provide many teachers with the incentive to seek professional recognition from the GTCS for the work they undertake in this very valuable area."

Background Information

A copy of the complete guidance document is available on Teacher Induction Scheme - Probation Supporter Guidance

For more information about this release contact Martin Osler, GTCS PR on 07739185522 or at martin@oslermedia.com

(added 27 August 2007)