Welcometo the Now Teach Buddy Network!

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About the Now Buddy Teach Network

Research shows that buddying schemes can increase participants' sense of connection and satisfaction, while also supporting retention. We hope this programme helps you build meaningful relationships with colleagues across different cohort years, creating connections that are supportive, enjoyable and mutually beneficial.

To help you get the most out of your buddying relationship, we've put together some simple guidelines.

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Building a successful buddying relationship

Do

• Be a positive ambassador for Now Teach and the teaching profession, offering encouragement and support when it's needed.
• Agree early on how you'll communicate and how often you'll be in touch, while respecting each other's time and availability.
• Build trust by being reliable, respectful and consistent.
• Create a positive, supportive space for open discussion and constructive problem-solving.
• Know when to listen and when to share. Talk through challenges, draw on your own experiences where helpful, and explore possible solutions together.
• Stay in regular contact, and let your buddy know if you're going to be unavailable or can no longer commit to the relationship.
• Encourage your buddy to contact Now Teach, their ITT provider or their school directly when an issue is beyond the scope of the buddying relationship.

Don't

• Assist with assessed coursework. While you can offer general advice, guidance and encouragement, you should not help to plan or write essays, learning reflections or other assessed work.
• Expect an immediate response - everyone has different commitments and availability.
• Intrude on your buddy's personal time or boundaries.
• Tell your buddy what they should or shouldn't do. Buddying is about listening, sharing experiences and working through challenges together, not giving instructions

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Get in touch

Want to find out more about the Now Teach Buddy Network?

Contact us: network@nowteach.org.uk

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