Mentoring Continuum: Supporting Pre-Service Teacher Growth

This visual resource outlines a continuum of mentoring practices that guide pre-service teachers (PSTs) from observation to independent teaching. It highlights the shift in mentor roles from modelling and scaffolding in early stages, through collaborative co-teaching, to coaching and providing constructive feedback as PSTs gain confidence and capability.

The continuum reflects best-practice mentoring approaches and is designed to support mentors in:

• adapting their support to match the PST's level of readiness
• encouraging gradual release of responsibility
• fostering professional dialogue and reflective practice
• promoting independent, confident teaching.

Mentors can use this tool to reflect on their role throughout the placement and to ensure PSTs are appropriately challenged and supported at each stage of their development.