Title: From Teacher to Mentor: Rural Educators' Perceptions of Their Mentoring Preparation and Support

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 1:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Mentoring for Teacher Preparation and Practitioner Development

Abstract

This qualitative study explores rural mentor teachers’ perceptions of mentorship training before and during their roles in yearlong residency programs. Guided by social learning theory, the research examined how training influenced mentors’ self-efficacy, preparedness, communication, and perceptions of school-university partnerships. Data from interviews, surveys, and artifacts with ten rural mentors revealed four key paradigm shifts: enhanced communication, stronger professional knowledge, increased pedagogical skills, and more positive views of partnerships. Findings highlight the critical role of mentor preparation amid growing state mandates for yearlong residencies, emphasizing the need to support mentors to improve teacher readiness and retention in rural education contexts

Authors

• Amber Wagnon, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Ronda McClain, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Adam Akerson, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Mark S, Montgomery, Stephen F. Austin State University