Do I let my mentor know I'm applying to jobs?

[dailywaffler]

I'll be applying for NQT jobs. But I'm so confused about how this works. Do I have to let my mentor know first? All it asks for is a head teacher reference but not mentor. So I'd use my head teacher and uni as a secondary reference.

Also I know the reference probably comes through my department but I'm just so confused how I go about letting my mentor know. Can anyone help?

You say ‘please can I talk to you about job applications’ and go from there?

Since the headteacher won’t have much of a detailed idea about you it will be your mentor who writes your reference so letting them know ASAP that you’ve applied for a job is a pretty good idea. Teaching references are taken up before interview usually so they’ll know you’ve applied when/if they get a reference request, and you’ll need to request time off fir the interview. You should also contact your university/training provider tutor as they would be your second referee.

You’re a trainee teacher. Your mentor knows you will be applying for jobs. It’s the whole point of your training, and of her mentoring.

You simply need to say “I’ve seen x job and am currently applying”. It’s really not going to be unexpected for her.

Your head's name will go on the form but your mentor will likely write the reference.
I ask the trainees to email me the info about the job when they apply so I know where we're up to.

Yes.
Say when you see a job you intend to apply for.
You could check eg. 'Do I put your name down as referee, or the headteacher?'