Learning teaching: Why mindset matters and what this means for mentors | The Staffroom

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

Creators and Guests

EL

Host

Elaine Long

MQ

Host

Mark Quinn

What is IOE Insights?

Thoughts and ideas on education, culture, psychology and social science to create lasting and evolving change from our academics, students, alumni and other brave thinkers. Podcasts brought to you by UCL Institute of Education (IOE), the world's leading centre for education and social science research, courses and teaching, and a faculty of University College London (UCL).

More from us: https://ucl.ac.uk/ioe