Mentoring Teachers: Navigating Real-World Tensions

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

This interactive symposium brings together a senior university scholar specializing in narrative research, a senior researcher from a nonprofit organization, a professional teacher mentor, and a national expert on induction to examine the complexities and challenges of mentoring in schools. The session combines research and stories written by mentors to provide a deeper picture of the life and learning of mentors. Five tensions and dilemmas that mentors face as they negotiate their position and ways of operating in different contexts to help novice teachers are considered. Each panel member will briefly describe their perspective regarding the five tensions of mentoring and there will be an opportunity for audience members to engage with participants in a discussion about improving mentor practice.

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education / Section 7: Teacher Induction, Mentoring, and Retention in Different Contexts, Conditions, Including Traditionally Underserved Students

Chair

• Susan G. Hanson, New Teacher Center

Papers

• What Mentors Learn from Mentoring - Susan G. Hanson, New Teacher Center

• Navigating the Tensions: Vignettes on Mentoring - Ann Lieberman, Stanford University

• Mentoring Novice Teachers: Perspective of a Mentor - Kathy Aldred, Boston Public Schools

Discussant

• Betty Achinstein, University of California - Santa Cruz