University of Derby Mentor Hub

What is your name, school and job title?

Uzma Ali - St Werburgh's Primary School - Senior Leadership Teacher - Teach in both KS1 and KS2

How long have you been mentoring and what is your favourite part of the role?

I have been mentoring since 2013 - over 13 years. Favourite part is watching the Beginning Teachers grow from week 1 to the end of their placement.

What does a typical mentoring week look like for you?

A typical mentoring week involves meeting with the Beginning Teachers to discuss planning, classroom challenges, and professional goals. I observe lessons, provide feedback, and model effective teaching strategies when needed. Regular coaching conversations help Beginning Teachers reflect on their practice and identify achievable next steps. I also offer ongoing day-to-day support with behaviour management, workload, and pupil needs. The focus is always on building confidence, developing strong teaching practice, and improving outcomes for children.

What do you value about working in partnership with the University of Derby?

I value the strong partnership with University of Derby because it provides trainee teachers with a supportive link between theory and classroom practice. The university promotes reflective practice, professional development, and high teaching standards, which aligns well with our approach at St Werburgh's Primary School. I also value the clear communication and collaborative support provided throughout placements, helping mentors and trainees work together effectively to ensure positive outcomes for both staff and pupils.

What piece of advice would you give to a beginning teacher?

One piece of advice I would give to a Beginning Teacher is to focus on building positive relationships with pupils first. Strong relationships create a supportive learning environment and make classroom management much easier. I would also encourage them to be reflective, ask questions, and remember that confidence and experience develop over time. Teaching is a journey, and small consistent improvements make a big difference.

What is your name, school and job title?

James Heesom, Alvaston Infant and Nursery School, Acting Head of School

How long have you been mentoring and what is your favourite part of the role?

I have been mentoring now for around 7 years and have absolutely loved it! One of my favourite parts of mentoring is meeting our new student teachers and finding out what their areas of expertise are and considering how we can work with them to make the most of this in school for our children. We have had some fantastic dance lessons and even a gymnastic afterschool club! I also love watching how much progress our student teachers make during the time with us and the excitement they have (and us) after having a brilliant lesson!

What does a typical mentoring week look like for you?

As a mentor, I have always found the best way for my student and me to work is flexibly. We start our days with a catch up about the day ahead, checking resources and lesson plans are ready to go. Then, we will often catch up throughout the day, working in partnership so that we can provide in-the-moment feedback and guidance to support the student. Then, we usually have an end of day debrief where we can go through the highlights and anything to consider before starting the next day. Once a week, we have our formal meeting afterschool, we arrange time for our students to observe expertise around our school and of course- non-contact time!

What do you value about working in partnership with the University of Derby?

The University of Derby will always be such a valued partnership for our school. We have had so many fantastic student teachers come through our doors over the years and in fact, there have been quite a few that we have later employed and are still working as teachers at our school today- including myself! The university have been there with us every step of the way with our students and have really supported with various things. We have also been a part of the maths project through the university!

What piece of advice would you give to a beginning teacher?

I would say that no two days will ever be the same! You could have the best plans in the world but school life can often mean that they don't always happen as planned- and that is okay! Set your expectations high from the outset and take every opportunity that comes your way!

What is your name, school and job title?

My name is Paige Chinellato, my school is Ashbrook Infant and Nursery School and I am a class teacher and lead for ITT, Science and PE.

How long have you been mentoring and what is your favourite part of the job?

I have been mentoring for 10 years and I love seeing all the new beginning teachers and helping them with their career path. My favourite part is giving the beginning teachers chance to understand what kind of teacher they want to be and helping them with this journey.

What does a typical mentoring week look like for you?

A typical mentoring week for me is a meeting on a Monday with my beginning teacher to look through previous and weekly planning as well as looking back to what their targets are and how we've met them. We also look forward on what I think they need to improve with but also what they think. Reflection is a big part. Throughout the week, I will observe, team teach, be their TA and have many regular informal chats about how the lessons and teaching has gone. I spend a lot of time annotating beginning teachers planning so they can see exactly my thoughts as they are teaching. I also ensure that all weekly feedback sheets and formative and summative assessments are filled in. I like to also ensure that I pass on any resources or reading materials that could be helpful to beginning teachers. I like to support as much as possible so no question is a silly question.

What do you value about working in partnership with the University of Derby?

I value working with the University of derby because not only does it challenge me but gives me a sense of purpose outside of my normal contracted duties. I attended the University of Derby for the B.Ed before landing the position I am still in today. I really like that university are so supportive with beginning teachers and mentors as well as offering extra things for me to help with (the mock interviews for ending students which I've taken part in for the past two years). The communication is also brilliant too and they are there for anything we might need (both for students and mentors).

What piece of advice would you give to a beginning teacher?

My advice would be work hard, be organised but also remember that the children are the most important. When days feel long and there are lots of meetings, the children will always keep you smiling with their hugs and funny stories.

What is your name, school and job title?

Hannah Whiteley, Landau Forte College, Tutor of PE and Lead Mentor

How long have you been mentoring and what is your favourite part of the role?

I have been mentoring for 8 years. My favourite part of the role is supporting the trainees as they grow in confidence and develop into a teaching style that suits them. It is rewarding to see the achievements they all make within their careers after the training years.

What does a typical mentoring week look like for you?

A typical week mentoring includes lesson observations, feedback meetings and target setting. I also try to make time for wellbeing checks, and to help with any challenges they may be facing.

What do you value about working in partnership with the University of Derby?

I value the communication links between the university and placement schools. Everything is organised and well-timed.  The trainees progress is always at the centre of everything the partnership offers.

What piece of advice would you give to a beginning teacher?

My advice would be to take on board all feedback, stay patient and focus on progress milestones, rather than perfection. Build strong relationships with key colleagues and all students you teach.

What is your name, school and job title?

Charlotte Harcourt, All Saints CE Primary School, Class teacher, year 1 and mentor.

How long have you been mentoring and what is your favourite part of the role?

I have been mentoring for 4 years now and excited to start my 5^th year! My favourite part is when my beginner teacher has that 'one' lesson where everything comes together, they feel great about what they are teaching and the realisation of 'I am a teacher' they feel confident to fly solo bringing their own personality, using all they strategies they have put in place.

What does a typical mentoring week look like for you?

A typical week starts with preparation the week before, catching up generally and discussing which lessons, planning and anything that needs organising for the week ahead. During the week, we will talk through any lessons that my BT will be teaching, talking about their development targets and how they can implement these in the lessons, this could be through informal chats or more coaching through demonstrations of what it will look like in practice. After each lesson/routine, verbal feedback in the way of a conversation, celebration of what went well and did they make progress with the targets they are focusing on and anything else that the BT wants to reflect on. During observations I will write into our weekly feedback form and at the end of the week we will discuss the whole week and talk about how things have gone, target setting which is always done collaboratively so the BT can move forward with their progress. These weekly feedback sessions are a lovely way to reflect on the week for both of us.

What do you value about working in partnership with the University of Derby?

Working with my Lead mentor is fantastic, they always have the most up to date information from the University of Derby which is passed on quickly. There is also online training to access if wanted, which is good for recapping of different ways to coach and mentor.

What piece of advice would you give to a beginning teacher?

To be organised, think ahead and to know that not everything will go to plan when working with children and that it is ok when it doesn't go to plan!

What is your name, school and job title?

My name is Jo Ross, and I am a Year 5/6 class teacher and Phase Leader at Two Rivers Primary School, an Outstanding generic special educational needs school.

How long have you been mentoring and what is your favourite part of the role?

I have been a mentor for the Teaching Apprenticeship (Level 6) with Derby University for the past two years.

I love being a mentor because I love being a teacher. I am passionate about teaching and learning and am committed to sharing my knowledge, skills, and practical strategies with trainee teachers. Supporting others as they grow in confidence, develop their professional identity, and find their own “teacher voice” is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

What does a typical mentoring week look like for you?

My mentoring style is supportive, nurturing, and reflective. I aim to create a safe and trusting environment where trainees feel confident to ask questions, take risks, and reflect honestly on their practice.

A typical mentoring week begins with informal check-ins with my apprentice teacher. We discuss the week ahead and address any concerns or worries early on. My apprentice regularly talks through lesson ideas with me, and we often review examples of my previous planning and flipcharts to provide reassurance and practical guidance. I formally observe my apprentice once a week, focusing on agreed targets linked to their development. Every Friday, we hold a structured mentoring meeting where we:

• Discuss lesson feedback and strengths
• Identify clear next steps and create an action plan
• Reflect on recent observations
• Plan opportunities for professional development (CPD) for the following week

I have been fortunate to work with two fantastic apprentice teachers so far and have always been happy to offer additional support outside of school hours when needed.

What do you value about working in partnership with the University of Derby?

Working with Derby University has been both enjoyable and valuable for my own continuing professional development. I have benefited greatly from the online training and have found the course leaders and lecturers to be highly supportive, knowledgeable, and always available to answer questions. I am proud to support Derby University students and to contribute to their journey into the teaching profession.

What piece of advice would you give to a beginning teacher?

My advice to any beginning teacher is to observe as many expert colleagues as possible. You are joining a professional community of people who love learning, and you should continue learning from others throughout your career. Through observation, you will naturally develop your own teaching style, and the best practice you see will become part of your professional “toolkit.”

Above all, I would encourage new teachers to have fun with their classes. Be the teacher who dresses up as an alien when studying space, runs through the school as Vikings, or buys the best cakes for the teddy bears’ picnic. Ignite children’s love of learning and give every child moments of magic that they will remember long after they leave your classroom. In a world full of challenges, your classroom should be a safe and welcoming place, full of endless possibilities, where children feel that the adults around them believe they can achieve anything.

What is your name, school and job title?

Beth Hames, Alvaston Infant and Nursery School, Head of Year

How long have you been mentoring and what is your favourite part of the role?

I have been mentoring for around 7 years now, and it is q privilege to be part of somebody’s teaching journey. I particularly enjoy welcoming enthusiastic students come through the doors and supporting them as their confidence and practice grow. Watching their skills develop and seeing them flourish in the classroom is incredibly rewarding.

What does a typical mentoring week look like for you?

A typical mentoring week involves regular check-ins, observations and plenty of informal chats!! I support trainees with planning, share ideas and model strategies, then provide feedback to help them reflect and improve. We talk through what’s going well, what could be even better, and set clear targets to support their development. I also make sure they feel comfortable asking questions, while building their confidence as they develop their own teaching style.

What do you value about working in partnership with the University of Derby?

I really value the supportive partnership with the University of Derby. There’s a strong sense of collaboration, and clear communication means we feel well supported in our role as mentors. It’s also been special to continue working with some of the lecturers who supported me during my own training - being able to work together now to support new trainees makes the partnership feel even more meaningful!

What piece of advice would you give to a beginning teacher?

My advice would be that teaching is a journey. Take opportunities, try new things and don’t worry when plans change. Most importantly, build positive relationships with everyone around you - that’s what really makes the difference.

What is your name, school and job title?

I am Richard Snape, a Year 5 Class Teacher and Computing Lead at Pennine Way Junior School in Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

How long have you been mentoring and what is your favourite part of the role?

I have been mentoring for over 15 years, and my favourite part of the role is seeing the pride on student teacher’s faces when they have delivered a great lesson.

What does a typical mentoring week look like for you?

A typical mentoring week involves planning the lessons ahead, discussing how they are going to meet the learning intentions and reviewing outcomes. Offering feedback and support is vital.

What do you value about working in partnership with the University of Derby?

Working in partnership with the University of Derby, teachers get the training and support to help students put theories into action.

What piece of advice would you give to a beginning teacher?

My advice to a teacher starting their career would be don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Education system is ever evolving so teachers are always learning and adapting.

What is your name, school and job title?

My name is Tiz Bradley, and I am the Deputy Headteacher and Placement Coordinator at Etwall Primary School.

How long have you been mentoring and what is your favourite part of the role?

I have been mentoring for 15 years, and one of my favourite parts of the role is the relationships you build with the next generation of teachers. I really enjoy being reflective about my own practice, learning new ideas from those I mentor, and seeing them grow in confidence and effectiveness as teachers.

What does a typical mentoring week look like for you?

A typical mentoring week involves discussing the weekly plan together, deciding who will plan, teach and observe different parts of the week, and working closely to check planning and share resources. There are always lots of informal conversations about what is going well and how we can both continue to improve our practice, as well as celebrating successes along the way. We also have a weekly formal meeting to reflect and plan next steps.

What do you value about working in partnership with the University of Derby?

I really value how supportive the tutors are at the University of Derby. Once you build those relationships with them, they are incredibly helpful, responsive, and genuinely want both the placements and the students to succeed.

What piece of advice would you give to a beginning teacher?

1. Bring enthusiasm — the more you put into the job, the more rewarding it becomes.
2. Listen, share and build warm but professional relationships early with both children and staff.
3. Smile — this really is a great job!

Before the beginning teacher starts their placement, mentors are required to engage with the following training elements:

Asynchronous Briefing Video

This video will cover the operational side of the mentor role and provide all of the placement specific information needed to support the beginning teacher. This video will be sent to mentors once placements are allocated.

The Derby Mentor Training

This interactive, scenario-based training session will take place either in-person or via Microsoft Teams. This training will focus on the skills and knowledge required to support a beginning teacher in this particular phase or stage of their training and is bespoke to each ITT/E programme.

During the placement mentors are required to engage with the following elements:

Moderation Meeting

At the mid-point of each placement mentors will meet as a group via Microsoft Teams to complete moderation of the mid placement formative feedback forms (where applicable).

Triad Meeting

This is a 30-minute meeting between the beginning teacher, mentor and lead mentor to discuss how the placement is going and to look at how the beginning teacher is responding to feedback. Please note that for Secondary PGCE beginning teachers, the Triad meeting takes place as part of the Subject Link Tutor visit.

Asynchronous Email Bulletins

Over the course of the placement mentors will receive email bulletins which contain pertinent areas of research which will help to connect the university-based learning and the placement-based learning.

Towards the end of the placement, mentors are required to engage with the following elements:

End of Placement Moderation

Towards the end of each placement, mentors will meet in groups via Microsoft Teams to moderate the final formative or summative feedback forms.