2 Theories of mentoring

The aim of the relationship between mentor and beginner teacher is to allow the beginner teacher to learn and take their place in an ever-evolving and complex profession. According to Cain (2009), there are two theories of mentoring: the first is that the mentor promotes learning by reflection, and the second is that learning occurs through an apprenticeship model. Both of these resonate with the idea of nurturing a beginner teacher into taking on the role of a teacher. However, Lave and Wenger (1991) see learning as a growing participation in a community of practice that may better theorise the complexities of the mentor’s role in helping a student develop their professional identity as a teacher.