Press Release

New recognition for trainee teacher mentors

03 November 2005

Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) and General Teaching Council (GTC) partnership launched

More than 25,000 teachers who mentor trainees can benefit from professional recognition for their work under a new scheme starting this November.

Each year teachers provide vital mentoring support to more than 40,000 trainee teachers undertaking their school based practice. A new partnership between the TDA and the GTC will offer them professional recognition for their experience and expertise as mentors through the GTC Teacher Learning Academy (TLA).

All initial teacher training (ITT) mentors in England will be eligible to put forward a stage one submission to the TLA. Submissions require evidence of work already carried out as an integral part of the mentor’s role and the submission process has been designed to allow that evidence to be presented as straightforwardly as possible. Successful submission to the TLA may be used as evidence for career development.

In addition, mentors in six pilot regions will be able to submit to stages two and three of the TLA. Optional academic accreditation through partnerships with higher education institutions will also be available.

Carol Adams, Chief Executive of the GTC says:

“Teachers who mentor trainees play a vital and under-recognised role in developing the teachers of the future. Their support comes at a crucial time for the trainee teacher and this partnership will bring them well-deserved recognition of the role they play.”
 

Graham Holley, Executive Director at the TDA, says:

“By being a mentor, teachers provide trainees with the support and guidance they need to get the very most out of a school placement. The formal recognition they can now receive will be useful for those looking to develop their teaching careers by meeting the professional standards, for which peer mentoring is an important element.”