Mentoring in Color: White Teacher Mentors Reflect on Their Experience Mentoring Teachers of Color

• In Event: Critically Examining White Teacher Identity

Abstract

Most teachers in the United States are White and female. The teacher workforce does not represent the student body. Diversity initiatives are not working to retain teachers of color (TOC) With the disproportionate representation of White teachers, it is a reality that many TOC will be paired with White teacher mentors during their first years of service. This qualitative study explored White teacher mentor experiences with TOC and the role race played in those relationships. Data gathered suggest White mentors provided predominantly professional mentoring. Additionally, mentors in this study acknowledged race is important in teacher mentoring relationships, but admitted it was a simmering or after-thought in their own mentoring relationships with TOC.

Author

• Franchesca R. Ho Sang, Hunter College