ECF | Mentor of the Term
ECF | Mentor of the Term
We are excited to continue celebrating ECT Mentors and their vital contributions to the success of the Early Career Framework. The 'Mentor of the Term' award allows us to recognise those who go above and beyond to support their Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
Winners of this award are chosen based on their engagement with the programme, attendance at events and nominations from their headteacher or ECF Induction Tutor.
This month, we are thrilled to announce Lois Kenny from Mablins Lane Community School as our 'Mentor of the Term'. We had the pleasure of asking Lois about her journey as an ECT Mentor, and the valuable skills she has gained from her time on the Early Career Framework.
What is your role within the school?
My name is Lois Kenny. I am currently in my ninth year of teaching. I am the Early Years Team Lead, History Lead and ECT Mentor. I currently teach Reception.
How long have you been an ECT Mentor and how many Early Career Teachers do you support?
I am in my second year of mentoring and currently support one Early Career Teacher.
What aspects of being an ECT Mentor do you find most rewarding, and why?
What I find most rewarding about being an Early Career Mentor is watching people grow in confidence and begin to shape their own beliefs and teaching approaches. It’s really meaningful to support someone as they figure out their next steps and work through challenges.
I have really enjoyed building genuine connections where ECTs feel comfortable asking questions and talking honestly about their goals or uncertainties. Knowing I can play a small part in helping someone feel supported and encouraged early in their career makes the experience very rewarding.
From your time on the programme, what skills have you developed and how has it helped you to support your ECTs?
During my time on the programme, I’ve developed stronger coaching and communication skills, especially around listening, asking effective questions, and giving helpful feedback. It’s made me more thoughtful about how I support ECTs and better at adapting my approach to suit their needs. I’ve also grown in confidence when supporting others through professional challenges, which has helped me offer more practical, consistent, and encouraging support.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an ECT Mentor?
If you're considering becoming an Early Career Mentor, I'd definitely recommend it. Make sure that you dedicate the time towards the sessions and your ECT. Be supportive, encouraging and prepared to listen. Be open about your own experiences, even those that didn't go to plan as it is usually from these experiences that we learn the most. Overall, it is a really rewarding experience and I have found that it has made me reflect on my own teaching practice and learn alongside my mentee as we have been open in sharing our ideas and experiences.
Lois was nominated for this award by her school. This is what they had to say:
"we are proud to nominate Lois for the outstanding support she provides as our ECT Mentor. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our early career teachers feel supported, confident, and valued. Her door is always open, and her calm, thoughtful approach has had a clear and positive impact on their development and wellbeing. Lois is deeply committed to her own professional learning, continually engaging with new research and ideas to strengthen her mentoring. She brings this learning back to her ECTs in practical, meaningful ways. What truly sets Lois apart is the personalised support she offers. She takes the time to understand each ECT as an individual—their strengths, their challenges, and the context in which they teach—allowing her to provide advice that is genuinely tailored and effective. Lois embodies everything we hope for in an ECT Mentor, and we wholeheartedly believe she deserves recognition for the exceptional work she does.’"
Do you know an Early Career Mentor who goes above and beyond? Nominate them below:
Nominate a Mentor
Looking for more information?
Find out more about our Early Career Framework programme here.
If you would like any more information on our ECF programme, get in contact with us:
Email: ecf@bestpracticenet.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)