The Design and Implementation of the ASTA Mentor Program: Perceptions of Program Developers and Mentor Preparation Workshop Participants

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the development and implementation of the ASTA Mentor Program. Research questions included: (a) How did ASTA staff, leadership, and Mentor Preparation Workshop providers describe the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of a national level mentor program?, (b) What were the perceived successes and benefits of the Mentor Preparation Workshop?, and (c) What suggestions did mentor teachers have for future ASTA Mentor Preparation Workshops? Data were collected via interviews, a workshop evaluation, and researcher logs. Potential program opportunities included targeted mentoring leading to student growth, lifespan professional development for ASTA members, increased ASTA member recruitment and retention, and association-level leadership. Implementation challenges included mentor effectiveness, design and implementation of processes and supports, and long-term sustainability. The workshop was perceived to be successful and beneficial through mentors’ increased understanding of novice teacher needs, development of effective observation and conferencing skills, and increased ability to help beginning teachers prioritize string-specific instruction. Suggested workshop improvements included more hands-on activities, access to all workshop materials, and more opportunity for interaction among the mentors.