An Exploration of Mentor Support Systems for Scholar-Practitioners in an Education Doctorate Mentoring Program

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  In Roundtable Session: Mentoring Alternatives and Novel Approaches

Abstract

Education doctoral (EdD) students typically hold full-time leadership positions in education-related fields while completing their degree. The types of support these scholar-practitioners need is unique due to their focus on balancing full-time work, academic, and personal needs. This paper explores mentor support systems for EdD students in a group mentoring program, which is designed to provide resources and mentor access in order to promote successful degree completion in five years or less. Mentors participated in presentations and discussions with mentees, interviews, and focus groups. Themes emerged related to mentors’ selection of presentation topics, perceptions of networking opportunities with mentees, desire to build stronger connections with mentees; and concerns/opinions about the mentoring format. Future studies can better inform the program design.

Authors

• Rachel Louise Geesa, Ball State University

• Kat R McConnell, Marquette University

• Nicholas Patrick Elam, Ball State University

• Ellie Clark, Ball State University