Fluidity as a Mentor Teacher: Developing School-Based Teacher Educators

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Twelve
  In Roundtable Session: Professional Development Schools and Teacher Education (Table 17)

Abstract

In this longitudinal study, we sought to better understand mentor teachers’perceptions of their roles as school-based teacher educators to support teacher candidates. We studied 11 school-based teacher educators and 123 teacher candidates, and collected data from observations, interviews, and artifacts. Using content and thematic analysis, the fluid six roles of school-based teacher educators were identified: (a) host, (b) tour guide to the profession, (c) cheerleader/encourager,(d) planner, (e) instructional advisor, and (f) teaching partner. Using this data, college supervisors and mentor teachers can better understand how the roles of school-based teacher educators must be flexible depending on context, teacher experience, and teacher candidate needs.

Authors

• Lori Rakes, Florida Southern College
  Presenting Author

• Rebecca Lovering Powell, Florida Southern College
  Presenting Author