Developing and sustaining successful mentoring relationships

Abstract

As mentor teachers hold the balance of power in the relationship, how do they build and sustain positive mentor-mentee relationships? This study involved 11 pairs of mentors and mentees (n = 22) with audio-recorded interviews to explore their relationships, mentors' support and mentors' expectations for mentees' involvement in the school. Findings suggested ways to build and sustain mentoring relationships (e.g., professionalism, respect, and support). Indeed, support in providing information for planning, access to resources, two-way dialoguing with feedback and reflections, and establishing safe, risk-taking environments to trial and evaluate newly learnt teaching practices were considered as ways to build and sustain relationships.