I have taken on the role of Mentor  which has been one of the most valualble experiences of my career.

I mentored for one year and then, due to circumstances in the school, I did not mentor this year. I used the time to reflect on the experience of last year and to read as much as I could from the probationers point of view, particu;arly the GTCS website and TESS. I also spent time with the Probationers we have in school this year.

I would really appreciate it if you would help me to be a better mentor by posting some of the ways in which you feel a mentor can support a probationer.

What can I have ready for her/him as soon as they walk through the door? What advice would you offer? Which websites and publications would you direct them to?

Thankyou in advance for taking the time.

Claire 

I'm mentoring for the first time in a few years too and although the required information hasn't changed too much the way it is now on line has made a big difference.  I find the hardest thing is  when I'm looking for something I've already seen but didn't require at the time I can't find it when I do need it! 

I'm the admin person for GLOW in our school so I've got my probationer on to that so that she can be in touch with all the information available there.  We're also setting up a Glow meet project so that we can have face to face meetings even when we're not in school - we'll have to see how that works out!

Hi

Although I am not a probationer, I started teaching in Scotland less than two years ago, so I thought I would mention what I would have liked to have happened when I started at my school.

 It is important to me to be clear on what the discipline policy is in the school and who to refer to when there is a problem, particularly if teaching can not continue.

It is nice to meet the head teacher formally as he is, after all, the new boss!

An introduction to the rest of the staff, at a weekly staff meeting, for instance gives recognition but it is very handy to have a staff handbook with all names, policies, forms, phone numbers, etc. in. 

More importantly, a weekly time slot to discuss curriculum delivery issues and pastoral issues, where the focus of the slot is clear and does not deviate.

I could go on for ever, but these are things that stick in my mind.

I would have found it really helpful to have 10 minutes at the end of each day just to check in/ find out where to get information, etc. for the first 2-4 weeks.

Hi,

Just be yourself, You said that the experience was valuable to you.

 What did you get out of it? Pass it on.

Things are caught more than taught. Students pick up on your nurturing self.

 They need you to listen to them. Encourage them by genuinely praising the best of their efforts.

If there is something that needs to be improved urgently arrange for them to stumble across it

naturally. A great discovery of their own! Teach don't preach. Lead them gently on from

where they are when you meet them. Fun is so important. Real love for people spills out.

It will not be contained. How lucky you are! Enjoy!!!

From Liz Glancy

P.S Make sure that they know where the safety exits are and which children need inhalers etc

Safety first!

When I know I am to receive probationers I begin a folder of all information pertinent to our school to give to them on their 1st visit. During the first few months of the school year I set the agendas for supporter meetings' Having dealt with numerous probationers most have said this was beneficial as they appreciate I know what issues should be discussed'It also takes a little of the workload from people who are so new to the system.

What do you put on your agendas in the first meetings - I found that it was the hardest for me to work out  and I'd really appreciate your input on this.I've made up a staff information folder for all staff that includes daily routines and important contact points, fire drill operations etc... It's in the draft stage and will be ready by August for all staff including probationers but if you have any suggestions I'd really appreciate them

Hi Agnes

thank you for you contributions..I apologise for being so poor at keeping up.

 In Fife we are given a template suggesting suitable agenda points for the Mentor Meetings.

I will copy it and send it to you.

Claire

Hi, as a primary probationer it would be great if a mentor could have things ready for you and let you learn from their mistakes and your own and gain advice from all staff, not just you.

• staff handbook
• intro to staff - including janitor etc
• school tour - where to find things, who does what
• key fobs, security codes, computer passwords, photocopier code, telephone numbers
• what to do if they're sick
• fire drills and exit routes
• intro to school schemes - reading books etc. and teacher's guide books for these
• planning formats
• school policies - child protection, health n safety
• duties - staffroom duty, buying tea etc, taking in lines, lunchtime duty, detension
• after school clubs
• are there difficult parents - advice?
• risk assessments
• funds, pta budgets, trip funding etc
• timetable - classes, gym, music etc and staff meetings
• SfR check list, to check off as you address an area in a meeting
• observation notes - what you did well and what you could improve on, not just, 'it was fine
• your own passwords for glow and gtcs - also handy if you are familiar with these
• practice what you teach - model lessons for probationers to observe
• listen and try to be a friend as well as a mentor

Guess I expect a lot :o)