Workplace Learning with Coaching and Mentoring (OpenLearn, UK)
Link: Workplace Learning with Coaching and Mentoring
What it offers:
A free Open University course on how to plan and manage coaching and mentoring programmes in the workplace. Covers foundations, structures, and strategies useful for school leaders building mentoring systems.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Accessible and free, providing a structured overview of mentoring models.
- Can help school leaders introduce coaching and mentoring as part of staff development.
- Good starting point for those new to mentoring in education.
Cautions:
- UK workplace examples may need adapting for school contexts in Bangladesh.
- Some tasks assume smaller staff teams and more planning time than many schools locally can afford.
A Mentoring Mindset (OpenLearn, UK)
Link: A Mentoring Mindset
What it offers:
A free course exploring the role of mentors in initial teacher training and early career phases. Designed for educators who want to become effective mentors or coaches.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Directly relevant to supporting trainee and early career teachers.
- Encourages reflective practice and structured support for new teachers.
- Easily accessible online and free of charge.
Cautions:
- Assumes a formal mentoring structure (like the UK’s Early Career Framework), which is not yet widespread in Bangladesh.
- Content in English; may require translation or simplification for broader access.
Free Mentor & Mentee Starter Training (The Mentoring School, UK)
Link: Free Mentor & Mentee Starter Training
What it offers:
Introductory training via short videos and a workbook covering key concepts of mentoring and how to be an effective mentor or mentee.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- A practical entry point for teachers or leaders starting mentoring roles.
- Can support both mentors and mentees, building a shared understanding.
- Useful for schools wanting to pilot structured mentoring.
Cautions:
- Limited in depth; a starting point rather than a full training programme.
- Examples are UK-based and may require adaptation to local contexts.
Understanding Coaching and Mentoring (Alison)
Link: Understanding Coaching and Mentoring
What it offers:
A free, beginner-level course explaining the basics of coaching and mentoring, including skills, tools, and how to structure sessions.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Flexible, self-paced and accessible globally.
- Provides foundational knowledge for aspiring leaders and mentors.
- Suitable for teachers, heads of department, or aspiring school leaders.
Cautions:
- Certificate may require a paid upgrade.
- Examples are generic workplace scenarios, not specific to schools.
Inspiring Leadership Foundation – Free Resources
Link: Inspiring Leadership Foundation Resources
What it offers:
A virtual learning centre with free resources for mentors and volunteers, including workshops, videos, and guidance for personal and leadership development.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Offers practical, inspirational content that can be adapted to school leadership.
- Focuses on values-based leadership and mentoring.
- Resources are free to access online.
Cautions:
- More general leadership/volunteering focus, less education-specific.
- Some examples may feel far from the Bangladeshi school context.
Step into Leadership – Mentoring Tools & Resources
Link: Step into Leadership – Mentoring Resources
What it offers:
Free tools, guides, and frameworks to support mentoring conversations and relationships within organisations.
Useful aspects (for Bangladesh):
- Provides structured tools that school leaders could adapt for staff mentoring.
- Frameworks are simple and practical, helping make mentoring more systematic.
- Freely available online for immediate use.
Cautions:
- Originally developed for social services, not education; adaptation needed for schools.
- Assumes time and space for regular one-to-one mentoring, which can be harder in busy school schedules.
