How to Be a Good Mentor

Want to become a mentor? One thing is for sure. You will have a very rewarding and fulfilling career. But what else is for sure? There will be a lot of work that is expected of you and you will find yourself challenged. Those who take these challenges in their stride and allow their obstacles to transform them and not define them are the ones that come out on top shining as great mentors. So how can you become a good mentor? Here is a guide from us to help you out.

Set out your ground rules and expectations

When you are first introduced to your mentee, make them become comfortable by explaining to them what your role is in their life or career as is applicable. They may have some questions to ask you about the mentoring process, answer them carefully. Next, you will have to also tell them what you expect from them. For example, you may want to tell them to come ready to solve issues and to discuss things over. Give them ground rules such as showing up on time. Now tell them what you are ready to do for them such as guide them, coach them and teach them.

Conduct a needs assessment informally

Ask your mentee why they are meeting with you and what needs they have on doing so. What do they want to work on the most? What aspects of their career or life are they struggling with?

Be sure to set goals mutually

Find out from the mentee’s manager what they would like you to focus on as the mentor. Integrate those key elements with the expressed wishes of the mentee. Next, you and your mentee can prioritise what you will be addressing together in order of importance. Make sure that you agree on the amount of time that will be dedicated to each component and how much in-depth you will go.

Set a schedule for contact

Having a schedule is really important. Set this up to decide how often the both of you will be meeting. How often will you be available to take their calls and the likes outside of meetings and what times and days will be the most convenient for both parties? You also need to be very clear about the boundaries that you have with your time. You should be available but do not tell them that they can call you at any time if you know that that will become an annoyance.

Listen first, ask then advise

You may have all the tools and the wisdom that is needed but your mentee is not an empty container into which you can pour all this or try everything out on. Therefore, instead of going on and on and trying to make them see your perspective, listen to what they have to say and then ask any questions that may pop up. Finally, advise them as cohesively as possible and with respect.

Keep learning

Mentoring another person is no simple task and you do have a massive responsibility on your hands which is why we recommend that you invest time in continued education.

At Study365 you can now enjoy a wide range of accredited programmes that will help you reach your goals as a professional mentor.

Teaching Assistant: Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools

This NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is a professional course, which has been created in line with awarding body standards and will allow you to enhance your career prospects. The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is an intermediate course, which will provide an understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children or young people in primary, secondary or special schools. Learners of this Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools will gain practical skills and knowledge relating to children and young people’s development, safeguarding their welfare, and communication. The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is suitable for those working in unsupervised roles that support pupils’ learning.

Enhance your career prospects of moving into teaching, by taking this course and learning how to move on to the next step of your career. This course will help you gain a solid understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children or young people in your place of work. A career with bright prospects awaits you with the completion of this course. According to www.payscale.uk, some of the key job positions along with the average UK salary per annum you can go for after completing this course will be as follows.

• Senior Teaching Assistant – £32,236 per annum or above
• Senior Learning Support Assistant – £40,502 per annum or above
• Senior Special Educational Needs Assistant – £33,812 per annum or above

Level 3 Award in Education & Training – AET (Formerly PTLLS)

This Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an introductory teaching qualification, which will prepare learners to go on to entry-level teaching roles, or further study of this subject. Upon the successful completion of this BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training, it will allow you to demonstrate a sound understanding of the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare, plan, deliver and evaluate basic teaching and learning sessions, in a variety of teaching or training contexts. The BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training is introductory, knowledge-based, and has no minimum teaching practice requirement. This means that you can take the BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training even if you’re not currently working in a teaching role. Learners of this BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training will need to take part in a micro-teaching session, so you can gain practical skills and knowledge during the course.

Learners who have achieved the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training can progress to the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training or the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. In addition, you could begin to work as a Teaching Assistant. The average salary for a Teaching Assistant in the UK is £12,022 or above.