An important part of the Partnership is the professional preparation for roles associated with working in teacher education. Mentoring is a core professional characteristic with transferable skills to induction tutoring, performance management and coaching. Training is required for all new mentors and update training is suggested at key points for all mentors.
Becoming a Mentor
If a school wishes to enter Partnership with the university it is a requirement of the Partnership that there is a recognised and trained mentor in each school. This mentor is seen as the key contact in the partnership with the University of Worcester. This person is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the trainee teacher in school. Full responsibilities can be seen in the Primary Partnership Handbook.
The initial new (to Worcester) mentor training course is offered throughout the year at the University and acts as a broad introduction to school based mentors wishing to support trainees on all programmes. No charge is made for this course. This is also available as an asynchronous online training course.
Where a group or consortium of local schools require mentor training, we can look to deliver at the local level.
For dates of initial mentor training courses, please contact Natalie Taylor (mentor training coordinator) – natalie.taylor@worc.ac.uk
Continuing Professional Development
There is a full range of training and professional development opportunities available through the University of Worcester for both individual, group or school consortium-based activities or programmes. Details of bespoke and consultancy services can be found here. Alternatively, you may want to consider continuing onto our MA Education or Professional Doctorate programme.
Other aspects of professional involvement in teacher education include working in partnership in the programme development, governance, and other professional opportunities for course moderation. Mentors are also represented and contribute to each Course Management and Steering Group meetings.
Mentor training days
The following mentor training days are organised for the next academic year. This is a whole day training event at the University (see partnership agreement for funding arrangements). Places are booked online on the placement portal or by emailing primarypartnership@worc.ac.uk.
There is the option of engaging with this training online and this can be accessed by contacting primarypartnership@worc.ac.uk. Onsite school-based training can be arranged if there are sufficient numbers.
New mentors need to complete this training once.
New mentor training dates:
| Date | Time | Content | Status |
|---|
| Friday 15th September |
10:00–15:00
In-person (Worcester)
|
New to Worcester – principles of mentoring, deliberate practice, the UW curriculum. |
Mandatory for all new mentors and mentors who have not previously engaged with training. |
| Tuesday 28th November |
10:00–15:00
In-person (Worcester) |
New to Worcester – principles of mentoring, deliberate practice, the UW curriculum. |
Mandatory for all new mentors and mentors who have not previously engaged with training. |
| Monday 19th February |
10:00–15:00
In-person (Worcester) |
New to Worcester – principles of mentoring, deliberate practice, the UW curriculum. |
Mandatory for all new mentors and mentors who have not previously engaged with training. |
| Monday 15th April |
10:00–15:00
In-person (Worcester) |
New to Worcester – principles of mentoring, deliberate practice, the UW curriculum. |
Mandatory for all new mentors and mentors who have not previously engaged with training. |
Online School Experience Briefings and Course Updates
The range and scope of training for mentors changes to meet the needs of the partnership in response to course priorities. There is an expectation that all mentors hosting a trainee attend school experience briefings. These all take place online and only one briefing needs to be attended per course. Places are booked online on the placement portal or by emailing primarypartnership@worc.ac.uk. All briefings will be recorded.
Training dates:
| Date | Time | Content | Status |
|---|
| Tuesday 19th September OR Thursday 21st September |
16:00–17:00
(online)
|
School briefing – PGCE |
Mandatory for all PG Part Time SE2 and Full Time SE1 mentors (School Direct and University-based) |
| Tuesday 19th September OR Thursday 21st September |
16:00–17:00
(online) |
School briefing – TIPE |
Mandatory for all BA Top Up mentors. |
| Tuesday 5th December OR Thursday 7th December |
16:00–17:00
(online) |
School briefing – UG3 |
Mandatory for all UG3 mentors. |
| Monday 15th January OR Thursday 18th January |
16:00–17:00
(online) |
School briefing – PGCE School Direct |
Mandatory for all PG SE2 School Direct. |
| Tuesday 27th February OR Wednesday 28th February OR Tuesday 16th April |
16:00–17:00
(online) |
School briefing – PGCE |
Mandatory for all PG Full Time SE2 mentors and Part Time SE1 mentors.
PGCE School Direct SE3 mentors (new). |
| Monday 18th March OR Tuesday 19th March |
16:00–17:00
(online) |
School briefing – TIPE |
Mandatory for all TIPE SE mentors. |
| Wednesday 17th April OR Thursday 18th April |
16:00–17:00
(online) |
School briefing – UG2 |
Mandatory for all UG2 mentors. |
| Monday 29th April OR Tuesday 2nd May |
16:00–17:00
(online) |
School briefing – UG1 |
Mandatory for all UG1 mentors. |
Information for School Mentors