Tessa Blair (East London Teaching School Hub) tells us how mentors can support the development of positive orientations to learning.

She tells Mark and Elaine how a professional culture tied to learning and mentorship can make a big difference in the lives of early career teachers (ECTs).

Tessa explains that mentors can help foster an inclusive and encouraging culture for ECTs, guiding them through the process of learning to teach. Mentors can model a process of reflection and self-evaluation so "ECTs can really see how to think like a teacher."

"Teachers need the time, space and encouragement to articulate and critically examine the processes of learning to teach – mentors are the best place to do that."

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/nov/learning-teaching-why-mindset-matters-and-what-means-mentors-staffroom-s06e02