Mentoring Pre-service Teachers
Ever thought about becoming a mentor teacher? Use your experience to show graduate educators the ropes! This course empowers you to support the next generation of educators.
New course starts 24th Apr 2023
You need an undergraduate degree to do this course.
Technology Requirements
We recommend a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection. For most courses you'll need to download and populate assignments. These are usually available in Microsoft Word.
- Submit an audio recording of a mentoring feedback conversation (maximum 30 minutes)
- Use the recording to identify what went well, what didn't, and any areas for improvement

Grant Buchanan
Lecturer in the School of Teacher Education

Nikki Tod
Lecturer in the School of Teacher Education

Sandra Williamson-Leadley
Senior Lecturer in Education
Grant Buchanan
Grant also teaches Physical Education courses with primary pre-service teachers and works as a professional practice lecturer. He completed a master’s thesis on mentoring in primary schools in New Zealand. His research focuses on understanding the ecological nuances of mentoring teachers and using mentoring to build professional capability.
Nikki Tod
Nikki's professional background includes ten years of classroom teaching in primary schools. This includes senior leadership positions, mentoring pre-service and beginning teachers, and lecturing in Initial Teacher Education at UC for over twenty years.
Her Master of Education research focused on educational leadership (with an emphasis on professional learning for developing teachers) and culturally-responsive practices. She's committed to best practice in ITE and values the mentor-mentee relationships that underpin the growth of a mentee’s teaching practice.
Sandra Williamson-Leadley
Sandra's professional background includes 17 years as a primary school teacher in NZ. This includes senior leadership positions, mentoring pre-service and beginning teachers, and ten years as a teacher educator.
Her doctoral research focused on the perspectives of primary teachers regarding the impact of professional development when integrating educational technologies in their classroom practices. She's been involved in mentoring as a student and associate/mentor teacher, and is now a professional practice lecturer for initial teacher education students on placement.
This course is ideal for
- Associate teachers
- ECE teachers mentoring pre-service teachers
- Mentor teachers supporting graduate teachers
- Practicum lecturers
- Early childhood leaders
- Other teacher educators
- Anyone interested in leadership
What you'll learn
- The difference between mentoring and coaching
- How to build effective mentoring relationships
- A Māori worldview of mentoring and how the principles of Te Tiriti influence relationships
- How to facilitate difficult learning conversations
- How to create SMART goals
This course includes
- 5 Modules
- 1 Assignment
- Audio and video – Closed caption English transcripts available
