ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the role of the mentor in school-based initial teacher training, and the importance of supporting trainee teachers with their professional development. It discusses effective models of mentoring of trainee teachers in school-based settings, where the role of the teacher acting as the mentor has become an increasingly important aspect of partnership training schemes between schools and universities. Mentoring is regarded as a core professional development activity for all members of the teaching profession. Mentors primarily have a practical role, whereby knowledge is passed on about the day-to-day demands of teaching physical education and undoubtedly occupy a strategic role. They play a substantial part in the socialisation of trainee teachers, especially when they are older, more established and more set in their ways. Trainee and new teachers need support and mentoring to protect them from conservative elements within their respective schools otherwise the practices and perspectives acquired during their university-based training are likely to fade.
