What is it about?
A dedicated mentor teacher can transform a career and provide educators with much-needed support. In-school mentorship, personalised professional learning, and collaborative, supportive teaching cultures are all often overlooked factors to teacher success and long-term retention in the profession"
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Why is it important?
In a time when teachers face mounting pressure, isolation, and unrealistic comparisons to ‘perfect’ classrooms online, this article offers a refreshing, human-centred solution: build strong, in-house mentorship. Unlike generic, one-size-fits-all training, it calls for experienced colleagues to share real, tested strategies and day-to-day support. This approach not only improves teaching practice but also fosters belonging, reduces burnout, and helps retain educators. Critical needs in schools today.
Perspectives
Some of the most valuable lessons in my career didn’t come from workshops or official PD—they came from colleagues who quietly shared their wisdom, stepped in when I was struggling, and reminded me I wasn’t alone. We can’t underestimate the power of mentorship in keeping teachers inspired and in the profession
Tracey Tinley
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: We All Need a Wendy, December 2025, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004736658_037.
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