Supporting your identity:
Third Space Mentoring
Dedicated, identity-conscious support throughout your teacher training journey with KMT.
Why Third Space Mentoring?
At KMT, we believe that diverse teaching staff make for stronger, richer school communities. We also recognise that starting a career in teaching can come with unique personal and professional considerations—especially if you come from an under-represented, racialised, or minoritised background.
Alongside the expert guidance you will receive from your school-based mentor and KMT Course Programme Lead, we offer Third Space Mentoring. This specialised programme provides a neutral, reflective space where you can connect with mentors who share similar lived experiences.
In schools where you might be one of few people sharing your specific background, Third Space Mentoring offers an extra, confidential environment to explore authenticity, build confidence, and navigate your professional identity—guided by someone who has walked a similar path.
Areas of support
Lived experience is unique to every individual, and our mentors offer tailored, empathetic support across a wide range of areas, including:
- Age and career change: Supporting career changers as you navigate the shift in professional identity from expert to novice.
- Sexuality and gender: Supporting LGBTQ+ trainees in navigating school life and feeling confident within their school community.
- Parenthood and caring: Supporting parents and carers with strategies to balance personal wellbeing and family commitments with training.
- Race and ethnicity: Supporting racialised trainees in exploring their experiences and navigating the weight of representation.
- SEND and disability: Supporting neurodivergent trainees and those with disabilities or long-term health conditions to self-advocate, access adjustments, and build sustainable strategies for classroom life.
We recognise that identity cannot be defined by a checklist. Third Space Mentoring is open to anyone who feels a dedicated, identity-conscious space would benefit their training year.
How it works for KMT trainees
- Structure: Trainees who wish to engage in Third Space Mentoring participate in three mentoring sessions spaced across the academic year (one during each Stage of Training).
- Optional and trainee-led: This scheme is an entirely optional layer of additional support. There is no expectation to join, but it is always available should you choose to access it.
Ready to train with KMT?
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every future teacher feels supported, valued, and represented.
If you have questions about Third Space Mentoring or any other aspects of trainee support at KMT, please get in touch.
