Mentoring New Superintendents in Kansas: An Examination of Experience and Program Quality

• In Event: 44.084 - Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 44.084-2 - Effective Mentoring Practices of Educational Leaders

Abstract

The school superintendent is responsible for system improvement, quality student learning, and equitable decision making for a variety of stakeholders. This research examined experience and program quality of one state model for mentoring and induction of new superintendents. Data collection involved surveys and focus group interviews. The findings confirmed the literature on key components in effective mentoring programs. Both superintendent mentees and mentors reported positive experiences with the KELI program, particularly related to networking and on-site visits. Nonetheless, mentees’ orientation on immediate tasks could, as some mentors noted, limit the benefits of other engagement the mentors had created under the program structure for capacity building. Other findings related to the rural superintendency were also noted.

Authors

• Jia Grace Liang, Kansas State University

• Donna Augustine-Shaw, Kansas State University