Characteristics of an Effective Mentor Development Program in Teacher Preparation

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Models of Co-Teaching and Mentor Relationships

Abstract

Effective teacher preparation programs understand the impact of mentor teachers on teacher candidates. Nevertheless, there are few studies that identify characteristics of an effective mentor teacher development program. One of the challenges is the variation with which literature defines mentoring and mentoring activities. Models of professional development provide a framework for studying characteristics of effective mentor teacher programming. Answering basic questions about mentor development will enable teacher preparation programs to optimize the relationship between mentors and student teachers for initiating future efforts in equity teaching. Results of this mixed-method study suggest teacher preparation administrators create mentor development programs that focus on communication, collaboration, and scaffolding.

Authors

• David W. Denton, Seattle Pacific University

• Jill Rankin Heiney-Smith, Seattle Pacific University