ABSTRACT
Mentoring in design and technology (D&T), as in any subject, is a fundamental part of any teacher development programme. It plays a major role in developing the beginning teacher and, as a mentor, we have a significant impact on outcomes and eventual success in teaching. The chapter considers that mentoring in D&T is a specialised activity and is not suitable for all teachers to undertake. Indeed, there are ranges of characteristics that make certain teachers more appropriate for the role than others. Subject knowledge is identified as one of the standards for the award of qualified teacher status (QTS) on completion of an initial teacher education (ITE) course in England, with similar standards needing to be met in other countries. Once the teacher knowledge tool has been completed, then start to analyse what core skills the beginning teacher has and what needs to be included for personal professional development.
