Being an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) mentor often looks like a selfless job—an experienced teacher sharing everything they know with a novice. But here's the secret: the person who benefits most is the mentor. Stepping up as an ITT mentor is one of the best and most intense types of career development you can do. It forces you to stop, look closely at all those unspoken skills you've built up, examine the tools in your toolbox and figure out how to explain them. This process leads to real, noticeable growth in your professional practice.

The biggest boost to your teaching is how mentoring forces you to sharpen your skills and subject knowledge. When you guide a trainee, you can't just run on autopilot; you must explain why you do everything. Suddenly, you're explaining the thinking behind your seating plan, your lesson progression, or how you ask questions. You are unpicking your practice and thinking about how to transfer your key knowledge to another. Breaking down complex ideas for a beginner doesn't just help them, it makes your own expertise stronger and sharper.

It must surely sit alongside examining as being one of the highest impact forms of CPD, for all involved.

P. Norris, Stalham High School

Think of mentoring as an express course in leadership. You switch roles from being a great individual teacher to being a guide for others, which requires emotional intelligence, clear communication, and strategic thinking. You learn how to give feedback that is both helpful and encouraging and support the setting of achievable goals. These are versatile skills, and this experience is often the perfect jumping-off point if you ever want to move into formal leadership roles at school.

Mentoring also brings a big bonus: exposure to new theories and fresh ideas. ITT courses are always evolving, bringing in the latest research on how pupils learn, curriculum planning, and making classrooms inclusive. Trainees usually arrive full of enthusiasm and new ways of thinking. Working alongside them means you get pulled into this, forcing you to look at your long-standing routines and measure them against current best practices.

Mentoring trainees keeps us thinking about our own classroom practice and the habits we have formed that might benefit from adaptations.

O. Wright, Reepham High School

To sum up, mentoring an ITT trainee isn't just about doing your bit; it’s a powerful trigger for real professional change. It gives you purpose for reflection, quickly builds key coaching and leadership skills, and guarantees your teaching stays modern and effective. If you're a teacher looking for a serious challenge, wanting to develop your expertise, and build a great foundation for any future role—whether that's moving into management or just mastering your craft, becoming a mentor is a clear, confident step forward.