Abstract
Interviews of 29 participants (14 mentors and 15 beginners) were analyzed for statements describing mentor roles and responsibilities. The participants were employed in a central state requiring the mentoring of beginning teachers, school counselors, and school librarians. The most prominent mentor roles emphasized providing beginners with support and encouragement, help with logistical matters, and assistance in "fitting into" a school setting. Statements about the mentor's role with respect to important curriculum and teaching skills were less prominent, whereas comments about the mentor's role in providing feedback were both frequent and strong. Analysis of the interviews also revealed that expectations for mentors were ambiguous and that flexible guidelines for serving as a mentor are desirable.
Recommended Citation
Ganser, Tom
(1996)
"Mentor Roles: Views of Participants in a State-Mandated Program,"
Mid-Western Educational Researcher: Vol. 9:
Iss.
2, Article 5.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/mwer/vol9/iss2/5
