The Impact of the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training on Mentor Teacher Efficacy

The Impact of the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training on Mentor Teacher Efficacy PDF Author: Bryan K. Hullender
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : First year teachers
Languages : en
Pages : 250

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Book Description
This dissertation was designed to examine the impact of the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training on the self-efficacy of mentor teachers. The study discussed the current training program for mentors in South Carolina and the expected outcomes the training is supposed to produce. The South Carolina Initial Mentor Training was studied in a cohort of nine school districts in the midlands and upstate of South Carolina in partnership with Winthrop University. The expected outcomes of the program were creating professional growth environments for new teachers grounded in the norms of continuous inquiry, ongoing assessment, and problem-solving; recognizing and practicing the attitudes, behaviors, and skills of effective mentors; identifying beginning teacher needs and modifying support in response to those needs; and using various tools that support an integrated system of formative assessment and support. -- This study used a mixed-methods design which included surveys and interviews with mentor teachers to identify themes that were linked to their efficacy in being able to work with beginning teachers after participating in the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training program. The researcher analyzed the surveys for emerging themes and developed follow-up interview questions for random interviews of trained mentors. The four themes that emerged were the need for mentor training, the most helpful tools to build efficacy, the least helpful tools to build efficacy, and suggestions for mentor program improvement. -- Based on the results of this study, mentor teachers who have completed the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training Program have a much stronger feeling of efficacy in their ability to support beginning teachers.

The Impact of the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training on Mentor Teacher Efficacy

The Impact of the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training on Mentor Teacher Efficacy PDF Author: Bryan K. Hullender
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : First year teachers
Languages : en
Pages : 250

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Book Description
This dissertation was designed to examine the impact of the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training on the self-efficacy of mentor teachers. The study discussed the current training program for mentors in South Carolina and the expected outcomes the training is supposed to produce. The South Carolina Initial Mentor Training was studied in a cohort of nine school districts in the midlands and upstate of South Carolina in partnership with Winthrop University. The expected outcomes of the program were creating professional growth environments for new teachers grounded in the norms of continuous inquiry, ongoing assessment, and problem-solving; recognizing and practicing the attitudes, behaviors, and skills of effective mentors; identifying beginning teacher needs and modifying support in response to those needs; and using various tools that support an integrated system of formative assessment and support. -- This study used a mixed-methods design which included surveys and interviews with mentor teachers to identify themes that were linked to their efficacy in being able to work with beginning teachers after participating in the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training program. The researcher analyzed the surveys for emerging themes and developed follow-up interview questions for random interviews of trained mentors. The four themes that emerged were the need for mentor training, the most helpful tools to build efficacy, the least helpful tools to build efficacy, and suggestions for mentor program improvement. -- Based on the results of this study, mentor teachers who have completed the South Carolina Initial Mentor Training Program have a much stronger feeling of efficacy in their ability to support beginning teachers.

The Impact of Mentor Training on the Perceived Effectiveness of a Mentor Program

The Impact of Mentor Training on the Perceived Effectiveness of a Mentor Program PDF Author: James Vincent Freemyer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : First year teachers
Languages : en
Pages : 390

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Book Description
ABSTRACT: The state of North Carolina has mandated that every new teacher in the state be appointed a mentor during the first year of teaching. Research has indicated that having a mentor does not necessarily improve instruction or retain quality people in the profession unless the training and the structure of the mentor programs are properly focused upon the real needs of new teachers. Programs that adequately address these beginning teacher needs have a positive impact on instruction and the retention of good teachers. This study examines the perceptions of first-year teachers regarding their primary needs and how effective their mentors were in providing for these needs. Two North Carolina school districts were selected for study based upon adherence to state guidelines regarding the quantity and quality of the training in an effort to measure the perceived impact of mentoring programs on first-year teaching experiences. The results of the study indicated that the districts that provide a more structured approach to mentor training with a focus on the developmental needs of the new teacher, observation, and reflective thought had a statistically significant greater positive impact on new teachers. The impact was examined in the areas of establishing structure of the program, addressing personal needs, improving teacher skills, identifying student needs, and promoting professional growth.

Analyzing the South Carolina Teacher Advancement Program's Effectiveness and Its Impact on Teachers' Professional Growth

Analyzing the South Carolina Teacher Advancement Program's Effectiveness and Its Impact on Teachers' Professional Growth PDF Author: Allen Fain
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Career development
Languages : en
Pages : 352

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Book Description
The purpose of this dissertation was to effectively analyze the South Carolina Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) and its effectiveness on a teacher's professional growth. More specifically the research of the TAP program took place in the researcher's county and analyzed the TAP elementary schools. -- TAP is an all-encompassing program oftentimes referred to as a method of school reform. TAP schools use a rubric that is research-based to evaluate teachers four to six times a year. Specific feedback is given in the forms of pre and postconferencing and a self-reflection conducted by the teacher after each evaluation. The goal of the feedback is to promote professional growth among the teachers. TAP also includes embedded professional development that meets weekly in a required cluster or professional learning community. The professional development offered centers around student needs and goals based on the school's data. -- Performance pay is also an attribute of TAP. Teachers and administrators are able to earn a performance bonus based on teacher observation scores, student value added growth, and school goals. TAP schools have a leadership team that includes a master and mentor teacher. Mentor teachers earn a stipend in addition to the classes they teach. Master teachers also earn a stipend, but do not teach an actual homeroom class. The principal and assistant principal are also part of the leadership team. The leadership team plays an integral part in providing the professional development, conducting classroom observations, and providing feedback to teachers in order to develop and enhance their professional growth. -- This dissertation focuses exclusively on the implementation of the TAP program in the district where the research took place. Specific areas of focus include teacher efficacy and effectiveness, teacher collaboration and professional development, and performance pay.

The Impact of Mentoring on New Teacher Self-efficacy

The Impact of Mentoring on New Teacher Self-efficacy PDF Author: John Craig
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 142

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Book Description
The purpose of this quantitative study is to investigate the impact of mentoring on new teachers' self-efficacy. In addition, this study investigated the effects of other independent variables such as mentor gender, content area, years of experience, and training on new teacher self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was measured using the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), developed by Tschannen-Moran and Hoy (2001). Teachers mentored in twenty-three school districts were asked to complete this survey and the demographic information upon completion of the mentoring experience. The results of t-tests, a one-way between-subjects ANOVAs, and a multiple regression were analyzed to determine if there were any significant differences in teachers' self-efficacy perceptions based on their mentor's gender, content area, years of experience, and training. The results showed statistically significant differences in self-efficacy between new teachers with mentors who had the same content area compared to those who did not. There were no statistically significant differences in average self-efficacy found among groups based on mentor gender, years of experience, and training. Finally, while the overall regression model was significant, the results indicated that none of the individual variables were significant predictors of new teacher self-efficacy.

The Perceived Efficacy of a Proactive Mentor Program on Teacher Retention Rates in a Rural North Carolina County

The Perceived Efficacy of a Proactive Mentor Program on Teacher Retention Rates in a Rural North Carolina County PDF Author: Richard Kevin Lancaster
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Mentoring in education
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Book Description
ABSTRACT: First, second, and third year teachers from a small rural county in North Carolina responded to a survey that ranked their perceptions of the county's mentor program. Qualitative input from twelve new teachers was gathered as well to add depth to the study. Comparison studies were made based on years of experience that the new teacher had, lateral entry or initially certified, and their intent to stay in teaching or not. The new teachers gave their views on the quality of the mentor program in their district. All teachers gave their opinion on what type of assistance they believed should be provided to all first, second, and third year teachers. The study divided the perceptions of the mentor program into three different categories: structure of the mentor program, mentor/mentee relationship, and mentor assistance. The results of the study suggested that a mentor program is perceived to have a positive relationship to higher teacher retention rates. A structured mentor program, mentor-mentee compatibility, regular meetings and observations, and mentor training were key components of a good mentor program identified by the participants. The data from this study reflected the need for administrators to build a mentor program starting with a few select teachers who honestly want to help new teachers. New teachers believed that if the school district and the individual schools were committed to providing ongoing support to mentees, the schools would retain more teachers in the local classrooms.

A Mentor's Effect on Beginning Teacher Self-efficacy

A Mentor's Effect on Beginning Teacher Self-efficacy PDF Author: Emily Peters
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : First year teachers
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The purpose of this study is to understand how beginning teachers' self-efficacy changes after working with a mentor in Mountain West School District as a response to the problem of increasing teacher attrition rates. Social cognitive theory is used to explain the impacts on beginning teachers' self-efficacy. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, qualitative data will be collected through focus groups, interviews, and questionnaires from both beginning teachers and their mentors. Themes drawn from this study include mentorship, new learning, teacher support, and self-doubt. Findings illustrate how mentors can provide beginning teachers support for the demands of the teaching profession. The conclusion of this study suggests mentorship as a proposed solution to increasing beginning teacher retention. This study is significant because it offers evidence that beginning teacher self-efficacy changes with support. The implications for future research include how the mentors' level of training impacts beginning teacher self-efficacy.

The Effects of Mentoring on Student Teachers' Self Efficacy

The Effects of Mentoring on Student Teachers' Self Efficacy PDF Author: Charles O. Rick
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Mentoring in education
Languages : en
Pages : 168

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Book Description
"Traditionally, mentoring has been part of the student teaching experience, however mentors may not receive proper training in mentoring, which ultimately impacts self-efficacy or teacher efficacy of student teachers. This quasi-experimental study investigated the effect of mentor training on teacher efficacy. The survey, Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale, was given to student teachers twice during student teaching to measure changes in teacher efficacy. The results showed a moderately high sense of teacher efficacy upon entering student teaching and an even higher sense of teacher efficacy at the conclusion of student teaching. Additionally, the analysis of results indicated training the mentor did not significantly contribute to efficacy changes. The role mentors have in assisting student teachers remains an open question"--Abstract, p. iii.

A Case Study of the Stakeholders' Perception of the Effectiveness of a South Carolina District Mentorship Program

A Case Study of the Stakeholders' Perception of the Effectiveness of a South Carolina District Mentorship Program PDF Author: Donna P. Floyd
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Mentoring in education
Languages : en
Pages : 192

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Book Description
The purpose of this case study is to understand the perceptions of participants in St. John’s County School District concerning the effectiveness of the mentorship program in the county. The Theory of Teacher Development (Fuller, 1969; Katz, 1972) guided the research. This theory states the induction programs should follow pre-service preparation, which will reduce the teacher attrition rate. A single case study was chosen so that the mentorship program could be studied using the perceptions of the participants in the program. The two research questions that guided the study is as follows: “What are the beginning teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the mentorship program in St. John’s County School District?” and “What are the participating mentors’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the mentorship program in St. John’s County School District?” The sample size included 15 individuals including beginning teachers and mentors participating in the program. The data for the study was collected using interviews, observations, and journal entries that the participants made during the study, and the examination of documents by me concerning the mentorship program. The setting was 6 schools throughout the district depending on the number of volunteers. Beginning teachers are defined as teachers with 0-2 years’ experience in the district. The mentors were those actively involved in the program who were assisting these beginning teachers. The data was collected at the site where the individuals were employed. The data was analyzed using the Moustakas’ (1994) Phenomenological Methods-coding, categorizing, and making sense of essential meanings of the phenomena.

Impact of Mentoring on K-12 Beginning Teachers' Efficacy and Commitment

Impact of Mentoring on K-12 Beginning Teachers' Efficacy and Commitment PDF Author: Sandra Mozdzanowski
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : First year teachers
Languages : en
Pages : 229

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Book Description
Despite a growing body of literature on the needs of beginning teachers, little is known about the impact of mentoring on K-12 beginning teachers' efficacy and commitment to teaching, and why beginning teachers in special education received less mentoring than their counterparts in general education. This qualitative phenomenological study compared the experiences of nine beginning teachers in general education and special education, factors within the school (e.g., principal, mentor coordinator, mentor), and characteristics of the teaching assignment. The central question was: What are the experiences of K-12 beginning teachers who receive mentoring? The sample consisted of 22 participants (9 teachers, 8 mentors, 4 principals, and a mentor coordinator). Data were collected from interviews, observations, a focus group, and site documents. Three themes emerged through the use of thematic analysis proposed by Moustakas (1994). The themes were: (a) beginning teachers require molding and shaping to impact school culture; (b) beginning teachers imitate to replicate school culture; and (c) a mindset of support impacts school culture. The central question and 6 sub-questions were answered thematically from the participants' perspectives. Textural and structural descriptions were integrated, which resulted in the essence of participants' experiences: The flow effect: A culture of reciprocity.

The Effect of Training and Peer Mentor Shadowing Designed to Increase Mentor Capacity on Teacher Mentor Self-efficacy

The Effect of Training and Peer Mentor Shadowing Designed to Increase Mentor Capacity on Teacher Mentor Self-efficacy PDF Author: Teri Thomsen
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Job shadowing
Languages : en
Pages : 191

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Book Description
This action research study focused on training for teacher mentors and teacher mentor self-efficacy. Specifically, this project explored the impact participation in a teacher mentor training program and teacher mentor peer shadowing had on teacher mentor self-efficacy. While there is a plethora of literature on teacher self-efficacy, minimal literature exists on the self-efficacy of teacher mentors. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and cognitive and collaborative apprenticeship provided the foundational body of knowledge in order to understand teacher mentors’ experiences. This study followed thirty-seven teacher mentors through the first half of the Arizona K12 Center’s Professional Learning Series – Mentor Academy Year 1. Teacher mentors were given a pre-survey upon their first day in the training series, a mid-point survey halfway through the semester and a post-survey at the beginning of the following semester. Teacher mentor self-efficacy data was collected from the surveys and analyzed to determine the impact their participation in the training program had on their self-efficacy. Five random teacher mentors were also selected for interviews. This qualitative data were collected to compliment the quantitative survey data. The second part of the study consisted of interviewing six teacher mentors in a local secondary education school district to gauge the impact the peer mentor shadowing program had on their self-efficacy. Quantitative and qualitative data collected provided insights on the impact these supports had on teacher mentor self-efficacy. The results of this study indicate the challenge and complexities of being a teacher mentor. The data showed that teacher mentors who lacked training prior to or upon initial entry into their new position of teacher mentor struggled to be effective which negatively affected their self-efficacy. The data also indicated that teacher mentors who participated in the Arizona K12 Center’s mentor training program had greater self-efficacy for their roles. Finally, teacher mentors participating in peer mentor shadowing opportunities found it to be of the greatest impact leading to stronger self-efficacy.