Whilst mentoring a trainee is a chance to support the future of the profession, there are also many other benefits for subject departments and schools to hosting a UEA trainee teacher.

As a host department, you take on the significant role of expert colleagues, who will support trainees in applying in the classroom the foundational knowledge and understanding gained in the taught part of the course. UEA tutors and mentors work together to enrich the experience of trainees, as well as their own.

There are opportunities for formal and informal networking with other hosting schools and regular training and CPD for mentors and Professional Tutors (including a yearly conference). UEA subject tutors act as a hub for developing subject specific groups. We are committed to supporting high quality learning and teaching throughout our partnership.

As a mentor, you are able to see on a day to day basis the impact your guidance, support and encouragement has on the development of a trainee teacher. Our trainees are encouraged to ask of their expert colleagues, why and how certain things work better than others, and this is an opportunity to reflect on your own practice, making explicit the implicit and deconstructing aspects of your practice to support your mentees’ understanding of what constitutes good teaching. Many mentors tell us that their own teaching has improved as a result of mentoring a student. These benefits extend to the whole department.
 

Trainees bring in new ideas and methods to the department, and the sharing of practice can benefit both the trainee, and the department. - UEA PGCE Mentor


There are many benefits to a school in working with our trainees. Part of our application process, and initial work with the trainees, encourages them to consider what they might be able to offer schools in their own areas of expertise. We have trainees from many different walks of life, with many varied and interesting skills, that could enhance the provision for the pupils within your school. Our trainees are enthusiastic and keen to learn, and many head teachers have commented that they have brought a “breath of fresh air” .

Perhaps of most importance is the benefit to the pupils of having a trainee in their classroom or school. Children are at the heart of education, and our trainees are encouraged to get to know their pupils as individuals, in order to support them academically and socially. Our trainee teachers are expected to recognise the progress children make, not only in their academic work, but also in their development of social skills, enthusiasm for learning and learning behaviours.

We are always looking to grow the partnership and would love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming a new mentor or a Professional Tutor, or if you have worked with us previously and would like to do so again. 

 

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The contribution to the daily lives of the students cannot be underestimated. - UEA PGCE Mentor