Schools have been involved in mentoring new teachers for years and many teachers have significant experience of mentoring. However, the expectations of mentors will be raised from 2024 with the introduction of the Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice for the academic year 2024/25. 

While the 2016 comment quoted above is still true, the 2024 criteria specify that trainees must have access to mentors who have expertise in subject-specific approaches so that ‘trainees are able to learn the best-evidenced ways of teaching their subject’.

These pages have been produced by the Geographical Association’s Teacher Education Phase Committee to provide guidance and support for ITE geography mentors. The webpages and accompanying downloadable files include information and guidance that is also relevant for those mentoring ECTs and other geography teachers.