It is understood that the Professional Mentor will disseminate all communications from the University to the appropriate personnel within the placement institution.
The Role of the Professional Mentor will be to:
- know and understand the requirements of the ITTECF (statutory underpinning of LJMU's ITE curricula and ensure that all aspects of the ITTECF ('learn how to...’) are integrated in school-based opportunities and practice for LJMU student teachers;
- support, develop, monitor and quality assure General Mentors and student teacher progress at each phase;
- play a key role in verifying recommendations for the award of QTS at the end of the programme;
- be an appropriate and professional role model for student teachers and expert school colleagues;
- promote equality of opportunity;
- ensure all General Mentors engage with LJMU mentor development throughout the year and provide high-quality mentoring;
- participate in interviewing and selection of student teachers where appropriate.
The Responsibilities of the Professional Mentor will be to liaise with their General Mentors to:
- support arrangements for the student teacher's timetable, focusing on integration of the LJMU ITE curriculum and school-based practice;
- have oversight of student teacher progress and inform university colleagues should issues arise;
- arrange for the student teacher to observe good practice;
- organise/co-ordinate a professional studies/professional development programme;
- co-observe and moderate student teacher's progress at each phase of the LJMU ITE curriculum (phased expectations);
- agree progress at formal review points.
Liaise with the Lead Mentor (LT) to:
- co-ordinate visits to the establishment;
- maintain an overview of the student teacher's progress;
- respond promptly to student teachers identified as not making expected progress towards the LJMU ITE phased expectations;
Liaise with the University Work-Related Learning Unit to:
- organise and confirm arrangements for placements;
- take part in relevant mentor development events/review and planning meetings organised by the partnership;
- act as a reference point to formally agree aspects of student teacher' action research where this is required.