Characteristics of Effective Urban Mentors: Perspectives From Preservice Mathematics and Science Teachers in a Residency Program

• In Event: Exploration and Survey of Teacher Induction Programs and Accountability

Abstract

Mentoring is a popular mechanism utilized by educators to guide, support and aid the assimilation of a novice teacher into the school culture and the profession. The purpose of this study was to examine secondary mathematics and science pre-service teachers’ mentoring experiences during the first year of a residency program. We used a mixed methods approach to identify the factors that enhanced and impeded the mentoring process. Chi square analyses were performed on Likert scale responses to 10 statements describing the mentoring experience, while common themes were identified from residents’ responses to open-ended questions. Our findings will inform policy makers, school administrators, university directors of school partnerships, and other individuals regarding the critical importance of quality mentoring.

Authors

• Ruben Garza, Texas State University

• Gregory Rodriguez, Texas State University-San Marcos

• Rod A Harter, Texas State University - San Marcos