OpenLearn (UK)
Workplace Learning with Coaching and Mentoring
Course link – OpenLearn
What it offers: A free Open University course on planning and managing coaching and mentoring programmes. Covers models, structures, and practical strategies applicable to school leadership.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Accessible and free overview of mentoring approaches.
- Helps school leaders embed mentoring in staff development systems.
- Good introduction for teachers new to mentoring.
Cautions:
- Workplace focus may need adapting for school contexts.
- Assumes small teams and planning time not always available locally.
OpenLearn (UK)
A Mentoring Mindset
Course link – OpenLearn
What it offers: A free course exploring the mentor’s role in teacher training and early career development. Encourages reflective and structured mentoring practice.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Directly supports trainee and early career teacher mentoring.
- Promotes reflective, supportive professional relationships.
- Free, easily accessible, and flexible for self-study.
Cautions:
- Assumes formal mentoring systems like the UK’s Early Career Framework.
- English-only content — may require simplification or translation.
The Mentoring School (UK)
Free Mentor & Mentee Starter Training
Free Mentor & Mentee Starter Training
What it offers: Introductory video training and workbook on key mentoring principles for both mentors and mentees.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Practical entry point for schools starting mentoring schemes.
- Supports shared understanding between mentors and mentees.
- Quick to complete and implement locally.
Cautions:
- Limited depth — best used as an introduction.
- Examples are UK-based and may need localisation.
Alison (Global)
Understanding Coaching and Mentoring
Course link – Alison
What it offers: A free, self-paced course covering fundamentals of coaching and mentoring — including structure, skills, and practical session models.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Globally accessible and flexible to complete.
- Builds foundational understanding for aspiring leaders and mentors.
- Applicable for teachers, heads of department, or aspiring school leaders.
Cautions:
- Certificate requires paid upgrade (optional).
- Generic workplace focus, not education-specific.
Leadership Development
Inspiring Leadership Foundation – Free Resources
Inspiring Leadership Foundation Resources
What it offers: A virtual hub of free resources, videos, and workshops for mentors and volunteers focused on personal and leadership growth.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Practical and motivational content adaptable to school contexts.
- Emphasises values-based leadership and mentoring approaches.
- Completely free and accessible online.
Cautions:
- More general leadership focus; less education-specific.
- Some examples may not reflect local realities in Bangladesh.
Mentoring Tools
Step into Leadership – Mentoring Tools & Resources
Step into Leadership – Mentoring Resources
What it offers: A suite of free tools, guides, and frameworks for building effective mentoring conversations and relationships within organisations.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Provides structured templates for mentoring discussions.
- Helps leaders embed mentoring into school improvement work.
- Free and ready to adapt for local use.
Cautions:
- Originally designed for social services — adjust for education.
- Assumes time for regular one-to-one sessions, which can be difficult in busy schools.
