Mentors and School-Based Partnership: Ingredients for Professional Growth

This study investigated the impact of a school-based teacher education partnership on the professional development of participating mentor teachers. Analysis of an initial survey administered to mentor teachers revealed 11 reoccurring responses which were organized into three broad categories. Teachers reported benefits in the categories of teaching styles, addressing student needs, and program influences. A follow-up survey asked mentors to what degree involvement in the partnership increased the behaviors/attitudes identified in the initial survey. A three-point rating scale enabled mentors to indicate the perceived degree of program impact on these benefits. Mean ratings ranged from 1.8–2.6, suggesting a fairly consistent impact of partnership involvement on mentor teachers. The overall mean rating for benefits was 2.2, indicating that mentor teachers experienced “some increase” (rating of 2) on all identified behaviors/attitudes. A mean rating of 2.6 made increased self reflection the highest ranking benefit derived from the partnership. Mentors reported that the partnership also built self-confidence, promoted professional behaviors, reduced isolation, validated beliefs, increased teaming and child-centered practices, and provided other professional development opportunities.