Applications are now open for the 2026 Languages Teachers Western Australia (LTWA) Mentoring Program.

Whether you’re seeking support as you navigate your teaching journey or you’re ready to share your expertise with the next generation of Languages educators, we invite you to be part of this rewarding program.

For Mentees: What the Program Offers

Our mentoring program is a voluntary, collegial initiative designed to connect language educators across WA. What you gain from the program will reflect the effort and commitment you and your mentor invest in the partnership. The program creates opportunities for:

• Connecting with experienced Languages educators to share experiences and exchange strategies about the unique challenges and rewards of teaching languages.
• Flexible engagement tailored to your individual needs and circumstances
• Professional networking opportunities to connect with the broader languages teaching community
• Practical support with curriculum planning, classroom management, assessment strategies, and pedagogical approaches
• Cultural and linguistic guidance specific to your target language(s)
• Confidence building as you develop your teaching practice in a supportive environment
• Group mentoring sessions where you can learn from and connect with other mentees

Who Should Apply as a Mentee:

• Early career teachers (0-5 years of experience)
• Teachers new to WA or returning to the profession after a break
• Teachers transitioning to a new language or year level

For Mentors: Why Get Involved

• Give back to the profession and support the development of Languages educators
• Professional reflection and renewal through sharing your expertise and learning from fresh perspectives
• Leadership development as you refine your mentoring skills
• Expand your network and connect with colleagues across different teaching contexts
• Contribute to the sustainability of quality Languages Education in WA
• Personal satisfaction from making a meaningful difference in a colleague’s career
• Professional recognition for your mentoring contribution

Who Should Apply as a Mentor:

• Experienced Languages teachers (typically 5+ years) with a passion for supporting colleagues
• Educators with strong pedagogical knowledge and classroom practice
• Teachers who enjoy sharing resources, strategies, and professional insights
• Colleagues committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative professional community
• Anyone willing to dedicate time to regular communication and meetings with a mentee

Program Commitment:

We recognise that both mentors and mentees have busy schedules. The program is designed to be flexible, with mentoring pairs negotiating the frequency and format of their one-on-one contact to suit their individual circumstances.

Alongside this flexibility, all participants are asked to commit to:

• Regular check-ins with their mentor/mentee via email, phone, or in person
• Attending a minimum of one group mentoring session per term held via Zoom, providing opportunities to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from the broader mentoring community

Additionally, there will be an opportunity to meet up at the State Conference in July/August, where mentors and mentees can connect in person, celebrate the program, and engage with the wider Languages teaching community.

Schools of both mentees and mentors will be asked to support their teacher’s participation in the program. LTWA will support you by contacting Principals to highlight the benefits of this professional learning initiative for teachers and students.

How to Apply:

Complete this form by February 10. We will carefully match mentees with mentors based on Languages specialisation, teaching context, year levels, and professional goals to ensure meaningful and productive partnerships.

Questions:

Please don’t hesitate to contact LTWA Mentoring Coordinator Simona at [email protected], if you have any questions about the program or would like to discuss whether mentoring or being mentored is right for you.

We look forward to building strong mentoring partnerships and strengthening our collaborative Community of Practice across Western Australia.