When Mentoring Falls Apart: Exploring the Complexities of Establishing Mutually Respectful Mentoring Relationships

• In Event: 66.050 - The Complexities of Mentorship: Defining Mentorship in Multiple Contexts and for Multiple Purposes

Abstract

Many school leaders believe mentoring relationships between first year teachers and their more experienced colleagues provide ample assistance. However, in our desire to support teachers in the development of mutually respectful and collaborative relationships, we must consider examples when mentoring fails to meet these goals. Our research found that dysfunctional mentoring relationships exist, and these relationships resulted in expressions of dissatisfaction and ineffectiveness. By looking closely at three fragile relationships we gain a view into the conditions that affect mentoring relationships.

Authors

• Teresa K. DeBacker, University of Oklahoma

• Julianna E. Kershen, The University of Oklahoma