Mentoring Novice School Principals in Chile: What Do Mentors Learn?

• In Event: 21.046 - Mentoring for Leadership and Professional Development

Abstract

The present study explored the knowledge gained by eight Chilean mentors during their first experience working within a formal mentoring program supporting novice school principals. This study used a qualitative approach. Research design, data collection and data analysis comprised an interpretative approach to aid the understanding of the learnings and personal processes involved. We coded 280 reflection sheets from the whole process of mentoring.
Mentors learned how the system works, how the school context offers opportunities and limitations for novice school principals, how they themselves perform their role and what professional strategies are effective for supporting new principals. In practical terms, mentors learned the relevance of being a good listener, critical friend, guide, supporter, respondent and source of knowledge.

Author

• felipe aravena, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso