Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Teaching (In) Community: Reflection And Relationship In The Writing Methods Course, Kristie Jolley, Emily Stephens Kasper, Meridith Reed

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

In this article, three writing teachers, one a writing teacher educator, reflect on how the writing methods course has shaped their work as teachers and helped them build community and identify resources to adapt to new teaching contexts and challenges.

Induction Programming For Novice Special Education Directors: The Significance Of Informal Supports In The Absence Of Formal Structures, Julie E. Rottier-Lukens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The role and responsibilities of a special education director are unique and highly complex when compared to other district-level leadership roles. Since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) passed in 1975, states gradually increased requirements for certification of these administrative roles, more clearly defining the criteria and standards to incorporate within preparation programs. Despite improvements in preparation programs for special education directors, there continues to be variation in preparation and certification requirements across states and persistent challenges with shortages of special education directors. After completing a preparation program, what support exists for novice special education directors to help them …

Beyond Teaching: The Ripple Effect Of Mentoring And Advising On Job Satisfaction, Brad Burgess, Justin Bamba, Laura Beiler, Patricia Meulemans, Cathy Roberts, Alicia Slate

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of faculty members in a Christian higher education (CHE) institution located in the southeastern region of the United States. Mentoring and advising were defined within the research as they pertain to CHE. Herzberg et al.’s (1959) two-factor model was the theoretical framework of this qualitative phenomenological study. The study examined how perceptions of mentoring and advising related to job satisfaction. Six participants completed interviews, asynchronous written discussions, and individual journal entries. Using Moustakas’ (1994) transcendental phenomenological approach, five themes were revealed: Student Impact, Relationship Development, Life Experience Mentorship, Christian Identity, and Fulfillment. Christian …

An Editorial: If I Should Fall, Patrick Otto, David Weir

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Abstract

The future of Christian higher education will be determined by whether today’s leaders can identify and train successors who are called to the mission and vision of each institution. The task of transitioning to a new generation of leaders has become more complicated as research shows that the church in America is in decline. The increased use of adjuncts adds to the dilemma because it takes time and a single-minded focus to prepare high-level leaders.

We are at a critical time finding the right people to replace the Baby Boomer generation, which has led well past retirement age. As …

Intern Experience And Support In The Byu-Public School Partnership, Ryan S. Nixon, Rebecca K. Hunter, Paul H. Ricks

Faculty Publications

This study examines the experiences and perceived support of early childhood and elementary education interns in the BYU–Public School Partnership. In June 2025, 137 former interns (54% response rate) completed an anonymous survey with open-ended prompts, and responses were qualitatively analyzed. Most interns characterized the experience as positive or both good and hard (84%), though 16% reported largely negative experiences. Relationships with students were consistently identified as the most meaningful aspect, often providing motivation during difficult periods. Support was most frequently attributed to facilitators, with additional support from grade-level teams and Clinical Faculty Associates (CFAs). While generally helpful, support was …

The First 3 Years: Novice Teacher Perspectives On Staying In Education, Tammy M. Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher attrition presents a persistent challenge for educational systems, with novice teachers leaving the profession at disproportionately high rates during their first 5 years. Rural schools face compounded difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified educators due to geographic isolation, limited resources, and additional workload demands. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate novice secondary teachers’ perceptions of factors influencing their intent to remain in education. In this study, self-determination theory, which examines autonomy, competence, and relatedness as psychological needs supporting intrinsic motivation, and four capital theory, which addresses human, social, structural, and positive psychological capital as interconnected components …

What Keeps Teachers: A Systematic Review Of Induction And Early-Career Teacher Retention In Rural Schools, Bobbie Jean Mcdonough

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Teacher retention remains a persistent challenge in United States education, particularly in rural K–12 public schools. This systematic review synthesized empirical research on induction and early-career teacher retention in rural United States settings published between 2000 and 2025. Guided by a postpositivist framework and aligned with PRISMA 2020 standards, 56 studies met inclusion criteria following structured database searches and multi-stage screening. Findings across the included studies indicate that retention was most consistently associated with induction, mentoring, professional learning, responsive leadership, collegial relationships, and teachers’ integration into their school and community, with no single support appearing sufficient in isolation. Across research …

Community Engagement Through Robotics Mentoring – Unlv, First Nv, And High School Robotics Teams, Brendan O'Toole

Community Engagement Expo Research Posters

The UNLV Robotics Mentorship program includes a two-semester course that trains students to support local high school FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams. ‘ME 464 Robotics Mentoring I’ provides training in design, mentoring,  fabrication, and programming. ‘ME 465 Robotics Mentoring II’, pairs students with local high school teams to serve as technical mentors for the competition season.

Mentoring For Workforce Education And Development: Insights From Education And Broader Applicability, Ramiro Pesina

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Mentoring programs are pivotal to workforce education, bridging skill gaps and fostering employee retention across industries. Although this study focuses on mentoring practices within the education sector, its findings are broadly applicable to other professions where effective mentoring supports employee onboarding, retention, and professional growth. Through qualitative interviews with mentors and mentees in a North Texas school district, this study identifies key factors contributing to successful mentoring: structured sessions, effective leadership, and prioritization of mentor-mentee relationships. While the findings underscore the universal principles of mentoring, the application of these insights across various professions warrants further research. By situating these findings …

'Raissing’ Teacher Practice: A Case Study Of A Living Model Of Professional Learning In Mentoring Pre-Service Teachers, Joanne Yoo, Pauline Kohlhoff, Cathryn Moore, Susan Rowley

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Mentoring is essential for equipping beginner teachers with the skills to navigate the complexities of the classroom. It is paramount to any teacher education program, particularly in relation to learning the practical skills of teaching during placement. This current research presents a case study of a living model of professional learning undertaken within a practicum setting. It introduces a ‘RAISS’ model of professional learning in mentoring, which incorporates relevant, agile, impactful, sustainable and scalable activities that maximise learning for all stakeholders. This case study sheds insight into two pilot deliveries of a mentoring program that can be adopted by other …

The Impacts Of Mentoring On Mentor Teachers In A Teacher Residency Program, Eric J. Lindley

Theses and Dissertations

Teacher shortages across the United States have made educational researchers consider strategies for teacher retention. Teacher Residency Programs (TRPs) are a compelling focal area in which to study mentorship as it relates to teacher shortages and teacher retention because of their intentional preparation, development, and support for participating mentor teachers. For my dissertation study, I was interested in exploring mentors’ perceptions of their roles, relationships, and preparation as well as the impacts that mentoring had on them beyond what has already been reported in the literature. Using a qualitative interview design study approach, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 experienced …

Reflections In The Mirror: An Examination Of Racially Congruent Mentoring Of Black Teacher Candidates In A Teacher Education Program, Mary Louise Gregory

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

The high demand for Black educators in K-12 schools across the United States has caused several teacher training programs to rethink how they prepare Black teacher candidates for the teaching workforce (Andrews et al., 2019; Blazar, 2024; Milner & Howard, 2004). Improving teacher candidate training, especially for Black teacher candidates can boost K-12 Black teacher representation. Literature on Black teacher candidate’s experiences while being mentored identifies several challenges that include issues with implicit bias, microaggressions, stereotyping and other occurrences of racial discrimination (Daly et al., 2024; Hampton et al., 2008; Kardos & Johnson-Moore, 2010; Rodriguez et al., 2020). The process …

Aligning Novice Special Educators Classroom Practices, Mentoring Support, And Needs With Discrit Classroom Ecology, Kaitlyn Stillwagon

Theses and Dissertations

This multiple case study investigates the alignment of novice special educators’ classroom practices, mentoring supports, and expressed needs with DisCrit Classroom Ecology. Situated in a large, urban city in the Northeast United States, this study centers the experiences of novice special educators and their mentors to examine this alignment to uncover gaps and best practices for improved mentoring support for novice special educators. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom artifacts, and teacher reflection journals. Thematic analysis using both deductive and inductive coding revealed that novice special educators demonstrated emerging entry points toward DisCrit aligned practices, particularly in the use …

Penyamaan Persepsi Guru Dalam Pengembangan Mentoring Skills Berbasis Lms Untuk Pembimbingan Mahasiswa Ppl Ppg Prajabatan, Zihan Novita Sari, Herlina Ike Oktaviani, Paundra Wangsa Fajar Kusuma

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Praktik Pengalaman Lapangan (PPL) dalam Pendidikan Profesi Guru (PPG) memiliki peran penting dalam membekali calon guru dengan keterampilan mengajar. Guru pamong memiliki peran penting dengan bertindak sebagai mentor yang membimbing mahasiswa PPL. Namun, terdapat perbedaan pemahaman di kalangan guru pamong terkait konsep mentoring yang menyebabkan ketidakkonsistenan dalam pembimbingan. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjabarkan peran Learning Management System (LMS) dalam mendukung pembimbingan mahasiswa PPL PPG, mengidentifikasi tantangan dalam implementasinya, serta memahami persepsi guru pamong terhadap keterampilan mentoring. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan mixed-method dengan desain deskriptif eksploratif. Data dikumpulkan melalui survei dengan angket, wawancara mendalam dengan guru pamong, serta …

A Case Study Of The Perceived Support Needs Of Community College Faculty, Ramona C. Shelton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored the perceptions of community college faculty members in Tennessee regarding the supports they feel they need to be successful academicians both inside and outside of the classroom. Thirteen faculty members participated in the study, representing the 4 faculty ranking categories at the institution: adjunct/part-time, new full-time, junior/untenured, and senior/tenured. Interviews were semi-structured to allow the participants the opportunity to share their honest experiences on what support needs they have, how those needs have been met, and what support areas they expect to emerge in the future. Four academic administrators also participated in the study in …

Infographic: Early Career Teacher Induction Activities, Dominique Russell

Teacher infographics

The latest edition of National Trends: Teacher Workforce published by AITSL presents data on the characteristics of the teacher workforce to contribute to an understanding of who Australia’s teachers are and what their workforce experiences look like. In 2023 there were over 50,000 participants in the survey. This infographic shows the induction experience of early career teachers in 2023.

Examining The Influence Of Vision And Change And A Mentoring Network On Teaching Philosophies And Strategies, Stephanie Mathews, Carlos C. Goller, Michael J. Wolyniak, Uma Swamy, Anjali Misra, Michael E. Moore, Jeremy L. Hsu, Dina L. Newman

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The 2011 report Vision and Change: A Call to Action (V&C) resulted from a national effort to rethink biology curriculum. V&C outlines core concepts and core competencies for biology undergraduates and promotes evidence-based pedagogy, undergraduate research, and inclusive practices. However, it is unclear how much biology educators know about V&C and what motivates educators’ development of their teaching philosophy and practices. We leveraged the Promoting Active Learning and Mentoring (PALM) Network, a group that introduced evidence-based instructional practices (EBIPs) to instructors through mentoring, journal clubs, and a community of practice, to investigate how much V&C has influenced educator …

New Teachers’ Mentoring Expectations And Experiences: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study, Preston Maurice Blakely

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore how the expectations of new teachers, about their mentoring program and their mentoring experiences can be used to improve the structural design and procedures of mentoring programs to better support new teachers. Socio-historical and sociocultural theories were used to guide the study and purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit five participants who were in the first years of teaching. Based on a rich set of data sources which included a pre-interview and a post- interview, the findings revealed that despite the existence of mentoring programs in the participants’ …

What Does It Mean To Be A Mentor? Perceptions Of Mentor Teachers In A Mentoring Program, Karen M. Powell

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to describe a district-wide, new teacher induction and mentoring program in one metropolitan public elementary school in Georgia. Based on the literature reviewed, there is a lack of research on the effects of mentoring programs in elementary schools, and specifically the effects of mentoring on the mentor teacher. Research questions are: (1) How do mentor teachers experience an induction and mentoring program? (2) What meaning do mentor teachers ascribe to their role in new teacher induction? Data was collected from four mentor teachers through a background survey and individual interviews during the …

Supporting The Professional Development Of Mentor Teachers: A School-Based Community Approach, Tenishia Ann Amos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study explored how implementing a practical, school-based professional learning community (PLC) in which mentor teachers examined mentoring practices influenced mentor teachers’ understanding of mentoring, their mentoring practices, and mentor identity. Findings suggest TE and schools alike should provide professional learning communities (PLCs) for mentor teachers to examine practices for its benefits on mentor learning. Nuanced conceptions of mentoring can help teacher education (TE) and schools better support mentor teachers in their learning (Clarke et al., 2014). Conceptions of mentoring as well as interacting discourses, such as school, teacher education, and neoliberal discourses, influenced the mentor teachers’ practices and identities. …

Western Australian Graduate Teacher Perceptions Of Teacher Performance Assessments, Janine E. Wyatt, Caroline Mansfield, Paula Mildenhall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examined the views of 1593 first-year graduates from five Western Australian universities concerning three nationally endorsed teacher performance assessment (TPA) instruments. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained through the Department of Education Western Australia’s annual first year graduate teacher surveys from 2021-2023 was used. Study findings revealed that overall, most graduates were satisfied that the TPA supported their classroom readiness and understanding of the graduate level of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, and that mentors/supervisors played a critical role in these perceptions. We recommend incorporating the first-year graduates’ insights into the refinement of TPAs. Our study advocates for …

Mentoring Experiences Of Student Teachers During Teaching Practice In Nigeria, Osita Victor Ossai, Sarita Ramsaroop

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

A growing number of stakeholders in teacher education in Nigeria have raised concerns about the quality of mentoring in schools. In this study, we aim to explore the mentoring experiences of student teachers during their field experiences. Using a mixed-methods study, data were collected from student teachers in the education faculty at a University in Nigeria. Quantitative data on student-teacher mentoring experiences were collected using the Student-Teacher Mentoring Experience Questionnaire. Qualitative data comprised individual interviews and was analysed thematically. Findings indicated that student teachers lacked adequate mentoring and support and without timely evaluations and quality feedback, their ability to reflect …

What Mentorship? Pre-Service And In-Service Teachers’ Experiences Of A Teaching Practice Mentorship Programme, Puleng Constance Letloenyane, Matseliso Mokhele-Makgalwa, David Maleho Letloenyane

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Mentoring during teaching practice plays a crucial role in teacher training as it exposes pre-service teachers to an authentic teaching and learning environment, under the guidance of qualified in-service teachers. Although mentoring has the potential to enhance the preparation of pre-service teachers and to improve the development of in-service teachers, the experiences are not always positive. The present study seeks to explore pre-service teachers’ and in-service teachers’ experiences of one university’s teaching practice mentorship programme. This single case study employed semi-structured interviews to collect data from one in-service and pre-service teacher in one suburban school. The collected data indicate that …

The Role Of The Interventionist In Creating Middle School Student Connectedness, Tonya A. Dieken

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the stories shared by interventionists which focused on the work they do to create student connectedness in rural middle schools. Illinois schools are designated by performance indicators, where successful schools are rated Exemplary or Commendable based primarily on attendance, achievement, and discipline. This study gathered stories to evaluate the essence of each middle school interventionist as it related to creating student connectedness through their work with students, staff, families, and communities. Preliminary data provided a process to find successful, rural middle schools using metro-centric locale codes, school designation, attendance, and behavior …

Community Of Practice Mentoring To Retain Middle School Teachers, Karen Weller Swanson, Micki M. Caskey

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

The purpose of this article is to describe and explain a mentoring initiative for supporting and retaining middle school teachers. First, we examine the persistent problem of teacher retention in U.S. schools, particularly in middle schools. Then, we describe a mentoring initiative—a community practice mentoring model that is well-suited for facilitating professional learning and addressing the retention issue. We define community of practice and note how communities of practices work in schools. We argue that a community of practice model is both a powerful conceptual framework for mentoring teachers and a practical approach to supporting middle school teachers’ practice. Next, …

An Exploration Of The Mentoring Experiences Of Ethnically Diverse Women Faculty At An Hbcu: A Qualitative Case Study, Tonya M. Brown, Ruth Boyd

Journal of Research Initiatives

This qualitative case study explored the professional and personal growth benefits for women faculty who engage in mentoring relationships at a historically black college or university (HBCU). Data were collected using one-on-one interviews with full- and part-time women faculty members who served as research participants. The participants provided data about their experiences with mentoring, including details such as the frequency of their meetings with mentoring partners, the preferred method of communication, and the areas of support resulting from the mentoring relationship. Findings indicated that mentoring relationships positively enhanced the experience for women faculty teaching in full-time or adjunct positions in …

Addressing The Importance Of Recruitment And Retention Of Black And Latinx Teachers: Strategies Designed To Diversify The Teacher Pipeline, Shavon Pittman

Dissertations

The United States student demographic has shifted significantly, with minorities, particularly Black and Latinx students, now constituting almost half. However, the diversity of the teaching profession, historically led by White females, lags behind, with Black and Latinx teachers comprising less than 30%. This lack of representation poses challenges for students without culturally similar educators. My research explores the impact of teacher diversity on Black and Latinx students' success, revealing positive outcomes. Yet, attracting and retaining minority teachers faces obstacles, including feelings of isolation and financial concerns. Recommendations include educational pathways, scholarships, mentoring programs, salary incentives, and professional learning communities to …

Learning Disrupted: The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Student Teacher/Supervising Practitioner Relationship, Bethany Tremblay-Price

Educational Studies Dissertations

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of educators across Massachusetts when schools closed their doors to in-person learning for the school year. Online teaching and learning became the norm as teachers quickly adapted their lessons for virtual classrooms. Student teachers were among these educators, finding themselves quarantined for the final months of their teacher education programs. Literature suggests that the student teaching semester and the relationships formed within it are integral to teacher education. How would these relationships fare through this interruption to the field experience? This qualitative case study examined the relationships between student teachers and …

A Qualitative Descriptive Study Exploring The Perceptions Of New Teacher Induction Supports, Tonya P. Dixon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem of novice teachers leaving the profession in the first few years of their career represented a global issue and an increased attrition rate. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the perceptions of novice U.S. teachers and effective systemic supports provided to new teachers through the lens of social capital. For this study, the intangible components of social capital emerged through the development and fostering of mentoring relationships in an induction program. The methodology used was a qualitative descriptive study using a survey, interviews, and thematic analysis of the survey and interview data collected. The …

Manrrs Advisors And Their Perceptions Of Their Mentor Strategies, Dallas L. Cooks

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences, also known as MANRRS, is an organization with chapters nationwide. Their main focus is to provide professional development, academic advancement, and networking to those in agriculture and related sciences. This research focuses on the advisors of MANRRS chapters across the country and at various institutions. Advisors were asked a series of questions through a Qualtrics survey about their mentor strategies with their students. Chapter Advisors were asked demographic, Likert Scale, and questions based on their personal MANRRS experience. As a result of the data, five research questions were answered. Chapter Advisors and …