TLRs and Mentoring

[Pokopoko]

Hi all,

I am paid a TLR2 for my role as second in department. However, I am also a subject mentor and a professional mentor for trainees outside of my subject. The latter role has been an increasing burden on my time as I am coordinating other mentors and university’s to support in the implementation of their training. Next week I have been asked to have two meetings after school hours with various providers as part of this role.

Essentially, my HoD (rightfully) sees this work as a distraction from my role as second in department and I am wondering if I should challenge SLT regarding my pay grade as from my perspective these additional roles seemingly carry no extra pay but come with extra responsibilities.

Do you think my point is valid? If so, how would you go about having this discussion with management?

Do you get the same amount of non contact as the seconds in equivalent departments? And equivalent pay?
If so, then you'd be reasonable to ask for additional time and pay for the professional mentor role. Or to give it up.

I get no additional time for my role as second. Mentoring is one hour for a meeting a week and the professional mentoring role is an additional one hour per week.

Not aware of other seconds have reduced timetables. I’d assume not.

Blimey!
I am PM. Mentors don't get any extra time or money, but they're all holders of TLRs who have volunteered. I am paid and have time. I wouldn't do it without.
What would make it manageable for you? That's the starting point.

I've been a 2ic in 3 different schools and the lowest I received was 1 hour gain time. I currently get 3 hour gain time and I get paid £25p/h in my role as professional mentor. I just have to tell payroll at the end of each month how many hours I've tallied up of observations, meetings etc and it gets added to my wage.

Looks like it’s time for me to speak to management then….

Worth pointing out that there are 26 timetabled lessons per week in my school of which teachers are on average teaching 19-20 of those per week. This makes it a little awkward in that by the letter of the law teachers have more than 10% PPA time, but they are also expected to cover lessons for absence (normally one per week) so you could argue that other responsibilities are given suitable time within those hours. The problem is that relative to other teachers, the teaching hours worked are the same regardless of additional responsibilities.

I disagree that it necessarily makes it awkward. Do you never get pulled for cover, in respect of your additional responsibilities?

You should have time to perform your duties adequately, and at the moment it sounds like you don't. I'd suggest having a conversation with your line manager for your professional mentor role to discuss the situation.

Are you in a union?

Yes I’m in a union.

We are a small department of (4 or so) so we are spread thin to cover the number of lessons required. I have spoke to HoD previously but it does feel like I might be better off just speaking to management directly to enact a change. Not sure who would pick up the extra lessons though?