Celebrating the Success of the 2026 Mentor Conference
On 3 February 2026, over 80 mentors from across the Eastern Region joined our annual Mentor Conference, a dynamic virtual event exploring the theme of 'AI in Education: Ethics, Tools, and Practice'. The conference brought together colleagues from Initial Teacher Training, Early Career support, and wider school leadership, creating a rich and collaborative professional learning environment.
This year’s focus on artificial intelligence – its opportunities, challenges, and practical applications – proved both timely and highly valued. Feedback gathered during and after the event demonstrates that mentors left the session feeling more confident, better informed, and equipped with practical tools to take forward into their work with trainees.
Why AI, Why Now?
As AI continues to shape teaching, learning, and professional development, we recognised a growing need to dispel myths, increase mentor confidence, and close the knowledge gap surrounding this rapidly developing technology.
Mentors are a vital resource in supporting trainee and early career teachers, yet many report varying levels of familiarity and assurance when it comes to using AI tools.
Our aim was to create a safe, practical, and research-informed space where mentors could:
- Build understanding and confidence
- Explore ethical considerations
- Share best practice
- See real examples of AI being used effectively in mentoring
- Understand national guidance and recommended tools
Feedback confirms this focus was both timely and impactful, with attendees expressing increased confidence and practical ideas they could implement straight away.
Expert Speakers Leading the Way
We were delighted to welcome two national voices in educational technology and mentoring:
Christian Turton: Educational Technology Lead, Chiltern Learning Trust
Christian shared compelling insights into the ethical use of AI, signposting mentors to DfE guidance and demonstrating practical tools, from generative AI platforms to creative applications like Canva, that can enhance mentoring conversations and professional reflections.
Dan Smith: Deputy Director & Early Career Lead, Alban Teaching School Hub
Dan explored reporting tools, prompts, and recommended AI platforms, including Copilot, that support mentors with lesson analysis, feedback writing, and documentation. His demonstration of note-conversion and dialogue-to-reporting tools was especially popular with attendees.
Together, Christian and Dan brought deep expertise shaped through their national work with the DfE and Chartered College of Teaching on safe and effective AI use in schools.
Positive Impact on Mentor Confidence and Practice
Across survey feedback, mentors described the conference as informative, relevant and packed with practical takeaways.
Mentors particularly valued:
- Clear signposting to national AI guidance
- Worked examples of AI tools in action
- Step-by-step demonstrations of reporting and reflection tools
- Ethical frameworks for decision-making
Confidence in using AI increased significantly, with mentors reporting new strategies they planned to adopt immediately in their own practice.
What Mentors Asked for Next
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of participants agreeing that the session had increased confidence and knowledge in AI.
However, mentors also expressed enthusiasm for:
- More worked examples and case studies
- Additional topics such as AI and mental health
- Opportunities to showcase success stories across hubs
These valuable suggestions will shape our planning for future sessions and professional development opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Mentor Conference showcased not only the potential of AI in mentoring but the collective expertise and curiosity of our mentor community. As AI continues to evolve, we remain committed to supporting mentors to navigate this landscape confidently, ethically, and creatively.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed. Your engagement ensures that our regional mentor community continues to thrive and innovate.
Conference Resources
Materials and resources from the conference can be accessed here:
East of England Mentor Conference 2026 - Resources
Other resources:
- GOV.UK - Using AI in education settings: support materials
- Chartered College of Teaching - Safe and effective use of AI in education
We look forward to welcoming you to our next event.