Mentoring Pre-Service Teachers

Description

Mentoring Pre-Service Teachers equips Christian educators to support emerging teachers with faithfulness and confidence. Grounded in a biblical vision for life and learning, the course explores the character, skills, and relationships essential to effective mentoring. Through teaching sessions, real-world insights, practical readings, and guided reflection, you’ll gain clarity and practical tools to mentor with wisdom, purpose, and grace.

Overview

Introduction

  1. Welcome to Mentoring Pre-Service Teachers

  2. Course Overview

  3. Learning Guidance

  4. Meet the Contributors

Topic 1: Biblical Perspectives – The “Why” of Mentoring

  • Introduction

  • Topic 1: Interviews

  • Video: Biblical Perspectives – The “Why” of Mentoring

  • Lesson Notes

  • Reading: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership [AITSL]. (2025). Mentoring guidelines: Supporting pre-service and early career teachers.

  • Reading: Sanders, M. (2013). Mentoring matters. Christian Teachers Journal, 21(4), 12–15.

  • Pause, Reflect & Pray

  • Summary

  • Topic 1: Quiz

Topic 2: Mentor Qualities & Competencies – The “Who” of Mentoring

  • Introduction

  • Topic 2: Interviews

  • Video: Mentor Qualities & Competencies – The “Who” of Mentoring

  • Lesson Notes

  • Reading: Glover, A., Jones, M., Thomas, A., & Worrall, L. (2024). Finding the joy: Effective mentoring in teacher education. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 32(4), 377–394.

  • Reading: Wang, X., Husu, J., & Toom, A. (2025). What makes a good mentor of in-service teacher education? A systematic review of mentoring competence from a transformative learning perspective. Teaching and Teacher Education, 153, 2-15.

  • Pause, Reflect & Pray

  • Summary

  • Topic 2: Quiz

Topic 3: Phases in the Mentoring Relationship – The “When” of Mentoring

  • Introduction

  • Topic Interviews

  • Video: Phases in the Mentoring Relationship – The “When” of Mentoring

  • Lesson Notes

  • Reading: Oberholzer, L. & Lofthouse, R. (2023). What Is Mentoring and What Is Coaching and Why?. In L. Oberholzer & D. Boyle (Eds.), Mentoring and Coaching in Education: A Guide to Coaching and Mentoring Teachers at Every Stage of their Careers (pp. 5–22)

  • Reading: Findlay, M., Salehjee, S., & Nikou, S. A. (2020). Supporting beginning science teachers to teach and evaluate their lessons. In S. Salehjee (ed.), Mentoring Science Teachers in the Secondary School: A Practical Guide. Routledge.

  • Pause, Reflect & Pray

  • Summary

  • Topic 3: Quiz

Topic 4: Mentoring Practices – The “What” and “How” of Mentoring

  • Introduction

  • Topic Interviews

  • Video: Mentoring Practices – The “What” and “How” of Mentoring

  • Lesson Notes

  • Reading: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership [AITSL]. (2025). Mentoring guidelines: Supporting pre-service and early career teachers.

  • Reading: Boyle, D., & Oberholzer, L. (2023). Mentoring and Coaching Initial Teacher Trainees. In L. Oberholzer & D. Boyle (Authors), Mentoring and Coaching in Education: A Guide to Coaching and Mentoring Teachers at Every Stage of their Careers (pp. 23–42)

  • Pause, Reflect & Pray

  • Summary

  • Topic 4: Quiz

Conclusion

  • Summary

  • Final Assessment

What’s Next?

  • Congratulations!

  • Course Feedback

About Your Lecturer
Chris Rayner
Lecturer
Chris Rayner
Chris has over a decade of experience in teacher education and Christian schooling. He previously served as a Lecturer in Inclusive Education and held leadership roles at the University of Tasmania, including Program Director for the Master of Teaching and Academic Director for Professional Experience. He has also worked within Christian Schools Tasmania in senior curriculum and teacher development roles, and was the founding director of the Tasmanian CEN Teaching Hub. Since 2018, Chris has served as a Senior Lecturer with the National Institute for Christian Education, teaching across a range of subjects with particular interests in equity, mentoring, and coaching. He holds degrees in Science, Teaching (First Class Honours), Education Leadership, and a PhD. Chris and his wife, Naomi, have three teenagers and attend Kingborough Family Church.
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