What does a pathway tutor do?

After 13 years in senior leadership roles at an international school in the Middle East, Louise was ready for a new challenge. While exploring her next step, a former colleague introduced her to the iPGCE course leader at Tes Institute.

Throughout her career, and alongside the various roles she has held, Louise has remained committed to teacher development, supporting colleagues at every stage of their professional journey and helping them to refine their practice. The opportunity to work directly with teachers was one she could not resist.

Tes was already a familiar and respected name. “When I first came into teaching in the 1990s, it was the place to find a job,” she recalls. “The company has evolved enormously since then and has always maintained a leading presence in education.”

The opportunity to combine her experience in education with her longstanding commitment to developing teachers made the decision an easy one. Drawn by both the reputation of Tes and the chance to support the next generation of teachers, Louise joined Tes Institute as a pathway tutor on the iPGCE programme, a role she has held for the past two years.

The role of a pathway tutor

Louise explains that pathway tutors provide an additional layer of support alongside in-school mentors, self-directed study and live online lectures. As part of the role, she monitors lesson observations, ensures learners are receiving appropriate support in school and helps them make the most of the different elements of the programme.

“Learners complete regular reflective diaries based on the content they study, and I provide feedback that helps them connect theory and research to their own teaching.”

Working closely with learners and their mentors, Louise helps learners navigate the demands of the programme while continuing to teach. She encourages reflection, challenges thinking and supports learners in translating educational theory into effective classroom practice.

The role also extends beyond academic development. Louise helps learners stay on track with course requirements, manage deadlines and navigate any issues that arise along the way. “It’s very much a team effort,” she says. 

Drawing on her experience in school leadership and pastoral care, Louise recognises that balancing study with a teaching role can be demanding. “Learners are completing an intensive programme while working full-time, so it’s important that they have someone who can help them navigate this.”

How pathway tutors support learners

Louise believes that effective support begins with understanding each learner as an individual.

“Everybody comes to the course at a different stage of their career,” she explains. “The support looks different for every person.”

Whether working with experienced teachers or those new to the classroom, Louise tailors her approach to meet the needs of each learner while ensuring they remain aligned to the course requirements.

Balancing studies with the demands of teaching and personal life

Having completed qualifications herself while working in senior leadership, Louise understands the demands of balancing study with a full-time teaching role. She draws on that experience to support learners throughout the programme, helping them stay organised and manage the competing demands of work, study and personal life. Recognising how busy teachers can be, she takes a proactive approach, keeping learners informed about upcoming deadlines so that they can plan ahead and remain on track.

Monitoring and assessing a learner’s progress

As a pathway tutor, Louise plays a key role in maintaining course standards and providing feedback to learners on a continuous basis.

The expectations are clearly set out by the Head of Programme Delivery at the start of the course and reinforced throughout. 

“My role is to support learners in understanding those expectations and provide ongoing feedback on their work and progress, helping them to maintain the high standards expected throughout the programme.”

Supporting learners throughout the programme

Louise believes that, just as in teaching, strong relationships are key to helping learners get the most from the programme.

“Everyone comes to the course with different experiences and commitments,” she says. “By building trust from the start, learners feel comfortable asking questions, seeking advice and discussing anything they're unsure about. That means we can provide the right support at the right time and help them make the most of their learning.”

The impact on learners

For Louise, the most rewarding aspect of the role is seeing learners achieve their professional goals and feel a sense of achievement from how much they have grown.

“My father was a headteacher, and one of the lessons I took from him was that education is ultimately about helping other people to succeed,” she says. “Whether you're working with students in a classroom or supporting teachers in their professional development, the focus should always be on helping others to reach their potential.

“It’s wonderful to see the progress they make and hear them reflect on how much they’ve learned. Learners join the programme with a wide range of experiences, but everyone has opportunities to develop. As educators, we should never stop learning, and the most successful teachers are those who remain reflective and open to new ideas.”

And the support does not necessarily end when the course finishes. “I always tell learners to stay in touch. If there’s ever anything I can help them with in the future, I’m always happy to hear from them.”

Louise’s advice for a learner on the iPGCE programme

“Make the most of the opportunities to learn from the course content, the course leaders, your mentor, and your fellow colleagues. Be reflective, be curious and be open to learning. The iPGCE is a fantastic opportunity to develop your practice, and learn from experienced educators.

“Ask questions, embrace new ideas and enjoy the ride. This is only the beginning. Teaching is the best job in the world, and this programme can help you build the foundations for a successful and rewarding career. It may also open doors to opportunities around the world that you never imagined when you first stepped into a classroom.”

Loved hearing from Louise? Explore our courses or find out more about our course leaders for an inside look at how our programmes are delivered.