Virtual Mentors

Abstract

Social media has the potential to revolutionize teaching, learning, and collaborative partnerships in teacher preparation programs. Traditional mentoring has been conducted in person, via mail, telephone, e-mail, conferences, and typical daily interactions. However, the emergence of social media has led to an exciting development called the iMentor Model, virtual mentoring via social media. Through the iMentor Model, teacher candidates observed 21st century teaching methods that they were not always able to observe locally. The traditional mentor is an advisor, a coach, a facilitator, or a role model. An iMentor demonstrates these qualities as well as embracing multiple social networking platforms in teaching and learning. iMentors model three components of the Saint Joseph College School of Education Conceptual Framework (2010): Rigorous of Mind, Compassionate of Heart, and an Agent of Change in their teaching. This chapter discusses how the use of iMentors brings teacher preparation into the 21st century.