Nurturing Growth and Understanding: A Self-Study of Mentorship Perceptions and Meaning Making

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Contemporary Thoughts on Mentoring (Table 10)

Abstract

This narrative inquiry delves into the multifaceted concept of mentorship, navigating its various definitions, models, and forms, with a focus on personal experiences and teacher mentorship. As a public high school teacher with twelve years of classroom teaching, and now a doctoral student, I combine personal reflections and a comprehensive literature review to examine the intricacies and transformative power of mentorship relationships. This research highlights a gap in the literature on teacher mentorship, specifically for mid-to-late career teachers, and the critical role of mentorship in promoting personal growth and development. This study contributes to the field by providing a purposeful understanding of mentorship dynamics that can inform programs that prioritize social justice, equity, and inclusivity, ultimately promoting just education renewal.

Author

• Edith P. Middleton, Teachers College, Columbia University