University of Warwick
Mentoring Briefing
Del Molland
(Programme Area
Manager, Teacher Education)
Tony Meehan (Course Leader DTLLS)
Cathie Watt
(Course Leader CTLLS)
Mentoring
Mentoring:
“… to provide personal and professional support to the
mentee. The mentor is generally more experienced than
the mentee and makes use of that experience in a
facilitative way to support the development of the
mentee. Mentoring is used to assist individuals at specific
stages of development or transition and lasts for a
sustained but defined period of time. The mentoring
relationship provides a developmental opportunity for both
parties and can thus be of mutual benefit. “
(University of Leeds, 1994)
Subject Mentors
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The University of Warwick advise that a subject mentor
should be:
a qualified teacher in the Lifelong Learning Sector with a
minimum of 2 years teaching experience
experienced and skilled compared to the mentee and have
a good understanding of the ‘subject specialism’ in relation
to teaching and learning
enthusiastic about teaching and learning
committed and wish to support and develop colleagues
within their subject and teaching role
Subject Mentors
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provide a valuable point of contact for the mentee
and are able to support and guide them in the
successful teaching of a specific subject
are a critical friend who will empower them to reflect
on their own practices and plan for their own
developmental needs
Mentoring
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works best when the process is well planned,
regular and with clearly defined phases. This
‘cycle’ helps the mentee to understand the
process taking place and to keep a clear
focus on the targets that have been
negotiated and agreed
The Mentoring
Cycle
Revise the
development
plan & set
new targets
as required
Identify short
& long term
targets
Produce
mutually
agreed records
of review
Agree the
mentee
development
plan
Periodically
review the plan
and
achievement of
targets
How often do you
meet?
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allocate time for regular contact and periodic
meetings with the mentee
this should equate to approximately 5 hours per
academic year
any and all contact can and should be recorded
– including telephone and e-mail correspondence
Meeting with your
mentee
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preparing for the first and subsequent meetings
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signing the contract between you and mentee
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ideas for mentors to use during the meeting
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(See Subject Mentor Booklet)
What about
observations?
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1 observation per year with an emphasis on planning and
teaching the subject , and using relevant resources
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observations are developmental- no grade is attached,
although competence is expected

the observation form for you to use is in the Subject
Mentoring Booklet
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occasionally the mentee’s tutor may wish to join you for a
joint observation of your mentee. This is arranged in
advance with your co-operation
Your value to us
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your role is an integral and essential component of the
courses our students undertake
we recognise and appreciate that you are very busy
people and we do not take for granted your good will and
generosity to our students
so, thank you very much!
How to contact us:
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dmolland@ne-worcs.ac.uk
AMeehan@ne-worcs.ac.uk
Del and Tony can also be contacted on:
01527-572763
cwatt@ne-worcs.ac.uk
Cathie can also be contacted on:
01527-572897