Challenging Teacher Perspectives Through Community Engagement in a Mentor Training Program

• In Event: 15.044 - Mentoring in Teacher Education: In-Service

Abstract

Though studies have considered the impact of mentoring on beginning teachers, there is little research that explores effective ways to support mentors’ work. This qualitative study addresses that gap by describing how one mentoring program sought to develop mentors’ understanding of their local context by sharing asset-based pedagogies and by engaging community members in the training process for new mentors. Initial interviews revealed that most mentors viewed the community through a deficit lens. Even after engaging in conversations with local stakeholders, mentors indicated that little changed with respect to their perspectives of the community. We consider reasons for the program’s limited success and discuss implications for programs that seek to develop mentors who engage with the community in meaningful ways.

Authors

• Kathryn Luet, Rowan University

• Brie Morettini, Rowan University

• Lisa Jo Vernon-Dotson, Rowan University