ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book focuses on the role of the mentor, exemplifying what it means to be a mentor. It focuses specifically on models of mentoring, becoming a mentor and successful mentoring in action. The book also focuses on mentoring relationships, examines the whole interrelated process of mentoring and considers the importance of working with beginning teachers, working with beginning teachers, supporting resilience in practice, and mentoring to enable others to ‘thrive’ in teaching. It includes practical activities in the form of tasks to support the development of the mentors’ knowledge and understanding. These include personal reflections about mentors’ own practice, or critically evaluating case studies. The term ‘learning journey’ could be applied to a beginning teacher on the journey to become a more skilled practitioner. It could equally be applied to the mentor involved in the journey towards becoming a more effective mentor.
