For newly graduated teachers, those milestone moments, like stepping into a classroom for the first time, teaching their first VCE class, or simply adjusting to a new school environment, are exciting – but can feel overwhelming!
Many early-career teachers enter the profession determined to make a difference, and many come from diverse professional backgrounds, bringing with them vital knowledge and a passion for the role. However, it’s also natural for new teachers to feel uncertain about managing classroom behaviour, engaging students and juggling curriculum requirements. Experienced teachers know that feeling!
As teacher recruitment specialists, we often see provisionally registered and early-career teachers who quickly realise their potential are those who have some form of mentoring support. Here’s what to consider when implementing an early career teacher mentor program.
Why Mentoring Benefits Junior Teachers
Australian research shows early-career teacher job satisfaction is linked to the level of support they receive on the job, with mentorships having an especially positive impact. With job satisfaction linked to teacher’s intentions to leave the profession, it’s fair to say mentoring teachers is a critical lever in staff retention.
What makes early-career teacher mentoring programs work? One analysis found that structured programs, careful mentor selection, mentor training and school-level support are key ingredients for success. When junior teachers receive high-quality feedback and guidance, their skills and learning capacity get a significant boost. If managed well, teacher mentoring programs definitely have a net benefit for schools.
Create Formal Pairings
Pairing up junior teachers with mentors from the beginning of the school year is important for facilitating support from day one and establishing a sense of stability. The earlier a new teacher can be paired with a mentor, the more time they will have to develop the relationship and build rapport. That’s essential for allowing junior teachers to feel comfortable seeking advice and sharing challenges.
Set Clear Ground Rules
It's wise to outline the mentoring schedule and structure as early as possible so both parties are on the same page and know what is expected of them. Mentors are there to give the coaching and support that encourages a mentee to improve their practice, not to ‘grade’ them or just point out faults. As VIT advises mentors should act as a supportive guides rather than an assessor.
Effective mentoring programs keep a close eye on learning outcomes to ensure a junior teacher is on the right track with their practice. So, rather than winging it, mentors must recognise the indicators that an early-career teacher is helping students reach their learning goals.
Select the Right Mentors
Mentors should share a common teaching area with early career teachers they are mentoring. This point may be a little obvious, but it makes a world of difference, so it’s important to spell it out!! Aligning the teaching specialisation enables mentors to offer the most relevant and subject-specific advice to their mentees. They understand the best ways to bring the subject to life for students.
Additionally, having a common teaching area helps with building a sense of camaraderie between mentor and mentee, as they’ll share a passion for the subject they both love to teach.
Provide Practical Support and Resources
Hands-on resources and support are key to mentoring teachers. For example, giving mentees one action item in each mentoring session helps support practical learning based on scenarios encountered in the classroom.
Lesson planning tools, classroom management techniques and ideas for engaging students are all helpful ways to instil confidence in beginner teachers.
Encourage Regular Check-Ins
Regularly scheduled check-ins will help mentors and mentees stay connected and build that all-important rapport.
These meetings don’t have to be long; even short, weekly chats allow junior teachers to ask questions and get guidance on upcoming lessons or strategies. Consistent touchpoints also create a safe space for junior teachers to share their concerns openly so issues can be addressed more quickly.
Celebrate Growth and Milestones
Recognising achievements big and small can go a long way in building a beginner teacher’s morale. Completing a successful first term, managing a challenging classroom situation, or making great progress with a student or a whole class – all are milestones to be celebrated.
Early Career Teacher Mentors Help Schools Thrive
Schools have an incredible opportunity to increase staff retention and build a stronger teaching workforce by giving early-career teachers support from day one.
After all, experienced teachers carry plenty of wisdom they’ve gained through years of trial, error and success in the classroom. Mentoring gives junior teachers real-world guidance that goes beyond textbooks.
When junior teachers feel genuinely supported, they are more likely to stay in the profession, develop into experienced educators, and eventually become mentors themselves!
Find Support from a Teacher Recruitment Agency
Establishing a successful teacher mentoring program requires mentees who are excellent teachers and love what they do. For support with finding teachers who can be great mentors, connecting with an established teacher recruitment agency like Tradewind can make a world of difference. Don't hesitate to reach out and chat with our team – we’d love to hear from you!
