The potential of mentoring in the professional development of newly qualified and experienced teachers

This article aims to review the international literature on mentoring newly qualified teachers (NQTs) and to highlight examples of good practice in mentor preparation across Europe. The article begins by presenting the main definitions and functions of mentoring, as well as the myths and stereotypes that shape its image. Next, the article outlines the mentor support programme in Ireland, along with a comparison of two handbooks offering training materials for mentor educators. Finally, the article highlights the benefits of mentor training, emphasising how it provides further opportunities for the professional development of experienced teachers. Given the growing importance of mentoring in the Polish educational system, mentor training should be made a compulsory component of teachers’ preparation for this crucial role.