Laura Callaway

Profile

Biography

I have been a primary school teacher for fifteen years. I have mostly worked in EYFS, but also in KS1. I have been in my current school for thirteen years and I have been EYFS Lead for three years. I also lead Phonics and Early Reading.

Why were you interested in the role?

I have always really enjoyed supporting trainees in school and I am keen to help to shape the training and development of future teachers. I believe that all trainees should have effective and supportive mentoring, and this role helps to ensure that happens. I am also interested in engaging with more educational research and linking this to my own practice.

What inspired you to do the role with Edge Hill University?

Edge Hill University has a fantastic reputation, so I was excited to join such a successful team. The trainees that we have had from Edge Hill have always been great, as has the communication and organisation from Edge Hill. Edge Hill are forward thinking and they work hard to support their mentors and trainees.

What does your role bring to student experience?

Having the Lead Mentor role within the ITT process improves trainee experience by quality assuring link tutors/mentors so that all trainees are receiving quality and effective support. Also having Lead Mentors who are currently work in school settings further strengthens that link between theory and practice. I know that the trainees that I’ve worked with this year have really appreciated having someone with first-hand, current experience in school to answer questions and support their development. The Lead mentor role is an important ‘bridge’ between Edge Hill and schools/mentors.

Input with students and the benefits this brings to students

I have been involved in the design and delivery of several ITaPs. I have been able to offer first-hand experience and expertise to the trainees. I have been able to support the trainees in deepening their understanding and linking theory to practice by providing videos from school to demonstrate particular strategies, as well as lessons for deconstruction. I have taken part in QAs where the trainees have been able to ask probing questions about how a particular approach/strategy can be implemented in school. I have also been able to host trainees, so that they can practice and receive feedback related to what they have been learning during their ITaP.

What are the top 3 skills your role is supporting you to develop?

• Further developing strategies for effective coaching and mentoring
• Engaging with educational research and linking this to current practice
• Further developing my own understanding of the ITT Curriculum and helping to delivering training and support to other mentors

What insights are you gaining from your current role and how is this supported by staff at Edge Hill?

It has been really interesting to gain more of an understanding of the university-based learning that the trainees undertake. It’s been really beneficial to see how the curriculum is designed and be able to link this to the trainee’s professional practice in school. It has been great to see how well supported the trainees are and how thorough the curriculum is.

What are you most enjoying about your role, and what are the challenges (if any), and how have you overcome these?

I really enjoy working with the trainees and sharing my own expertise and experiences with them. I have also really enjoyed working with the team at Edge Hill, everyone has been so welcoming.

What’s the best thing about Edge Hill University to you?

Edge Hill is a great place to work/train. There are many positives about Edge Hill such as the beautiful campus, outstanding teaching, friendly/welcoming atmosphere and the wealth of experience and expertise that the staff offer.

How have/will your role support your career progression?

Undertaking the CPD involved with the role, as well as engaging with research when planning for the ITaPs has really helped me to develop my own professional skills and knowledge. I am interested in doing more work with trainees in the future, so this experience will help me when looking for opportunities. I feel that I have a really good understanding of effective coaching and mentoring and this is something that I can use within my capacity as a leader in school.

What advice would you give to someone considering this role at Edge Hill University?

Go for it! It’s a great experience and you’ll learn a lot.

How has Edge Hill supported you during your role?

All of the staff have been really supportive throughout the year. My line manager, in particular has been fantastic and so well organised. Our responsibilities and priorities are made clear each week and there is always someone available to answer any questions and offer further support with systems etc. Edge Hill staff have also been very respectful and understanding about the pressures of school life and have been flexible when needed.