Teachers as Peer Mentors in a “Community of Practice”

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Research on Mentoring and Mentorship

Abstract

This study documents a peer mentoring program in which urban elementary teachers supported one another in developing and refining inclusive classroom practices through analysis and discussion of self-selected videotaped lessons. Participants engaged in “community of practice” meetings in which they discussed their experiences in the peer mentoring program, shared the video clips as points of reference for discussion, engaged in peer feedback, and discussed the impact of the program upon their practice. Results of the study document 1) how teachers describe the impact of the program upon their inclusive classroom practice; 2) the “best practices” that emerged out of the program; and 3) ways in which peer mentoring support teachers working within a climate of educational reform.

Authors

• Laura M. Gellert, City College of New York - CUNY

• Jan W. Valle, City College of New York - CUNY