Networking During a Pandemic: How Novice Teachers Navigated Mentoring Relationships

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Newly Hired Teachers' Experiences During and Beyond COVID-19

Abstract

Part of a larger, longitudinal study, this presentation explores the experiences of novice teachers (NTs) whose critical first year took place amid a global pandemic. Specifically, this presentation focuses on the evolution of the formal and informal supports they received during their first year of teaching. Understanding the multifaceted social process they experienced can help teacher educators, school leaders, and policymakers support not only this unique cohort of teachers but has broader implications, as well. Amid a national teacher shortage, it is more critical now than ever to understand which mentoring experiences and induction support make a difference. Implications from this study add to the literature and support the improvement of teacher retention both now and into the future.

Authors

• Jackie Sydnor, Ball State University

• Margaret Rose Ascolani, Ball State University

• Sharon Daley, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Tammi R. Davis, Missouri State University