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Stephanie Marshall-Whitley

Education and Training Lecturer, Truro and Penwith College

Research Bio

From novice to nurtured: supporting early career teachers' growth in FE through mentorship

Stephanie has completed an MSc in Learning and Teaching, where her research explored the professional development of Early Career Teachers (ECTs) in the further education sector. She investigated how mentorship supports teachers as they move from novice to confident professionals, with particular attention to retention, growth and career intentions. Her study used a mixed-methods approach that combined case studies, autoethnography and critical friend feedback to understand how mentoring shapes the experiences of new teachers. Findings indicated that ECTs felt more connected to their institution and more inclined to stay when their professional development was actively supported and they felt “seen” and valued.

Stephanie leads a mentoring and development programme called 'Nurtured' for both new and second-year teachers, creating a supportive environment that encourages reflective practice and sustained professional growth. Her work contributes to improved retention and helps build a more confident and stable teaching workforce.

Despite graduating, Stephanie continues to develop research that informs policy and practice in the sector. Her aim is to improve teacher support, encourage evidence-informed professionalism and ultimately improve outcomes for teachers and learners across the sector. Stephanie is looking ahead to PhD research to begin in 2026.

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Call for action

Stephanie is happy to share insights, discuss approaches and offer advice on mentoring.

Research Outputs

Publications

Activities and events (inc. conferences)

  • AoC conference, Birmingham, November 2024
  • Festival of Practice, Coleg-Sir-Gar, July 2024
  • University of Oxford, Department of Education Poster conference, June 2024
  • AoC conference, Birmingham, November 2023

          Additional Information

          Stephanie is passionate about QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) and firmly believes in its value for new teachers and the FE workforce. She supports applicants in navigating the QTLS process, helping them understand how achieving this status underpins their teaching skills and career prospects. Stephanie advocates that QTLS strengthens individual practice and contributes to a more competent and committed teaching workforce; this benefits student learning experiences across the sector.