Mentoring in a Pilot Residency Program: The Influence of Co-Teaching and Co-Learning in Teacher Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 4:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Coaching and Mentoring to Support Teacher Learning (Table 3)

Abstract

Mentoring is critical for developing preservice teachers, and understanding its dynamics within residency programs is essential as such programs expand across the United States. This study investigates the mentoring experiences within a pilot teaching residency program, focusing on three teacher-mentor dyads across diverse classroom settings. Employing qualitative methods, we explore two key dimensions: (1) the mentors’ experiences in guiding preservice teachers and (2) the impact of co-teaching and co-learning on the resident teachers' instructional practice. Our findings reveal that co-teaching significantly enhances instructional practices and fosters professional growth. This study highlights the possibilities of mentoring relationships and the need for meaningful mentoring frameworks supporting both mentor and resident teachers.

Authors

• Jessica Murdter-Atkinson, University of North Texas

• Rachel Ranschaert, University of North Texas

• Erin Ashcraft, University of North Texas

• Elizabeth C. Moore, University of North Texas

• Cortney Jensine Haynes, University of North Texas

• James V. Hoffman, University of Texas at Austin