top of page
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute

Education Quarterly Reviews

ISSN 2621-5799

asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
crossref
doi
open access

Published: 16 November 2024

Mentoring in Kindergartens: Benefits for Newly Appointed Teachers, Mentors and Educational Organizations

Zacharoula Kontogianni, Εfthymios Valkanos, Maria Sytziouki, Iosif Fragoulis, Marios Koutsoukos

University of Macedonia, ASPETE, Helenic Open University

asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
pdf download

Download Full-Text Pdf

doi

10.31014/aior.1993.07.04.534

Pages: 170-182

Keywords: Benefits, Educational Organization, Kindergarten Principals, Mentor, Mentoring, Mentoring, Newly Appointed Teacher

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the perceptions of kindergarten principals in the regional unit of Thessaloniki regarding the expected benefits for newly appointed teachers, mentors, and educational organizations. By conducting qualitative research, the perceptions of 15 kindergarten principals were explored using the research tool of semi-structured interviews. The interviews revealed that the heads of nursery schools identified, as the most important benefits for newly appointed teachers, the improvement of teaching methodology and the widening of the circle of social contacts through the cultivation of communication skills, as well as the understanding of the formal and informal culture of the educational organization. The supervisors themselves as mentors value key benefits the enrichment of knowledge and the renewal of teaching methods as a result of their interaction with their mentors as well as the improvement of communication skills. For educational organizations, the benefits seem to be linked to the benefits of the mentored and relate to the functioning of the organization as a learning community, the achievement of objectives, and the improvement of the quality of the work produced, while the improvement of communication levels works to the benefit of working relationships between the parties involved.

References

  1. Achistein, B., & Athanases, S. (2005). Focusing new teachers on diversity and equity: Towards a knowledge base for mentors. Teaching and Teacher Education, 21(7), 843-862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2005.05.017

  2. Achinstein, B. & Davis, E. (2014). The subject of mentoring: Towards a knowledge and practice base for content-focused mentoring of new teachers. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 22(2), 104-126 https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2014.902560

  3. Alabi, A. O., Allayande, E. (2017). Mentoring New Teachers and Introducing Them to Administrative Skills. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 7(3). doi:10.5296/jpag.v7i3.11362

  4. Allen,T.D., Eby, L.T. Poteet, M.L., Lentz, E. & Lima, L. (2004). Career Benefits associated with mentoring for protégés: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 89(1), 127-136 https://provost.utsa.edu/mentoring/docs/Allen-et-al-2004.pdf

  5. Amram, M., B., Davidovitch, N. (2024). Novice Teachers and Mentor Teachers: From a Traditional Model to a Holistic Mentoring Model in the Postmodern Era. Education Sciences,14 (2). DOI: 10.3390/educsci14020143

  6. Anastasiou, A., Valkanos, Ε., Fragoulis, Ι. & Androutsou, D. (2015). The contribution of mentoring to the effective professional development of school leaders. Educational Circle 3(1), 7-24 (in Greek)

  7. Aspfors, J. & Fransson, G. (2015). Research on mentor education for mentors of newly qualified teachers: A qualitative meta-synthesis. Teaching and Teacher Education, 48, 75-86 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2015.02.004

  8. Banks, J., Conway, P., Darmody, M. Leavy, A., Smyth, E. & Watson, D. (2015). Review of the Droichead Teacher Induction Pilot Programme. Working Paper 514, ESRI

  9. Bowman, B. (2014). Teacher Mentoring as a Means to Improve Schools. Journal of Graduate Studies in Education, 6 (1).

  10. Certo, J.L., 2005. Support, challenge, and the two-way street: Perceptions of a beginning second-grade teacher and her quality mentor. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 26 (1), 3–21. doi:10.1080/10901020590918960

  11. Chao, G.T. Walz, P.M. & Gardner, P.D. (1992). Formal and informal mentorships: A comparison on mentoring functions and contrast with non-mentored counterparts. Personnel Psychology, 45, 619-636 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6570.1992.tb00863.x

  12. Clark, S. K., & Byrnes, D. (2012). Through the eyes of the novice teacher: Perceptions of mentoring support. Teacher Development, 16(1), 43-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/13664530.2012.666935

  13. Clarke, A., & Mena, J. (2020). An international comparative study of practicum mentors: Learning about ourselves by learning about others. Teaching and Teacher Education, 90. doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2020.103026

  14. Clutterbuck, D. (2005). Mentoring and the legal profession. Development and Learning in Organizations, 19(1), 10-12 https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280510572130

  15. Colky, D., & Young, H. (2007). Mentoring in the virtual organization: keys to building successful schools and businesses. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 14(6), 433-447, https://doi.org/10.1080/13611260500493683

  16. Cosner, Sh. & Jones, M.F. (2016). Leading school-wide improvement in low performing schools facing conditions of accountability: Key actions and considerations. Journal of Educational Administration, 54(1),41-57 https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-08-2014-0098

  17. Creswell, J. (2011). Research in Education: design, conduct and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative research. Athens: Ellin

  18. Dalmatsou, Α., & Lazarakou, Ε. (2024). Peer mentoring: exploring the perceptions of newly appointed teachers. Science of Education 1 (1). 69-86 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26248/edusci.v2024i1.1778

  19. Darling-Hammond, L. (2006). Constructing 21st-century teacher education. Journal of Teacher Education Policy Analysis Archives, 57(3), 300-314.

  20. Darwin, A. & Palmer, E. (2009). Mentoring Circles in Higher Education. Higher Education Research & Development, 28(2), 125-136.

  21. Dimos, Ι. & Papanagiotopoulou, P. (2017). The pilot implementation of the program "MENTOR-Mentoring between teachers in secondary and high schools" in schools of Fthiotida in Secondary Education. Εuropean Conference Mentoring: Impacts on Professional Development of Teachers, 66-71. Project Erasmus. Secondary Education Directorate of Fthiotida.

  22. Duse, C.S., Duse, D.M. & Karkowska, M. (2017). How important is mentoring in education. MATEC Web of Conferences 121. https://www.matec-conferences.org/articles/matecconf/pdf/2017/35/matecconf_mse2017_12005.pdf

  23. Ehrich, L.C., Hansford, B. & Tennent, L. (2004). Formal mentoring programs in education and other professions: A review of the literature. Educational Administration Quarterly, 40(4), 518–540.

  24. Ensher, E.A. & Murphy, S.E. (2011). The Mentoring Relationship Challenges Scale: The impact of mentoring stage, type, and gender. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 79, 253- 266, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2010.11.008

  25. Fragoulis, I. & Valkanos, E. (2011). The contribution of mentoring in adult education. Lifelong Learning: Interdisciplinary approaches, 269-288. University of Macedonia Publications.

  26. Gabel-Dunk, G., & Craft, A. (2004). The road to Ithaca: a mentee's and mentor's journey. Teacher Development, 8(2-3), 277-295 DOI:10.1080/13664530400200221

  27. Good, J.M., Halpin, G. & Halpin, G. (2000). A promising prospect for minority retention: students becoming peer mentors. Journal of Negro Education, 69, 375-384

  28. Hansford, B., Tennent, L. & Ehrich, L. C. (2003). Educational Mentoring: Is it worth the effort? Education Research and Perspectives, 30(1), 42-75 https://erpjournal.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ERPV30-1_Hansford-B.-Tennent-L.-and-Ehrich-L.-C.-2003.-Educational-mentoring-.pdf

  29. Hansman, C. (2002). Mentoring: From Athena to the 21st century. Critical Perspectives on Mentoring: Trends and Issues. (Information Series No.388). Columbus: The Ohio University,

  30. Hargreaves, A., & Fullan, M. (2000). Mentoring in the new millennium. Theory into Practice 39(1), 50 56. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip3901_8

  31. Hobson, A. J., Ashby, P., Malderez, A., & Tomlinson, P. D. (2009). Mentoring beginning teachers: What we know and what we don't. Teaching and teacher education, 25(1),207-216. DOI 10.1016/j.tate.2008.09.001

  32. Hobson, A., J., & Malderez, A. (2013). Judge mentoring and other threats to realizing the potential of school-based mentoring in teacher education. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, 2(2), 89-108.

  33. Hobson, A., Maxwell, B., Kodacsy, K., K., Hotham, E. (2020). The nature and impact of effective mentoring training, education and development (MTED). Education and training Foundation.

  34. Hudson, P. (2013). Mentoring as professional development: “growth for both” mentor and mentee. Professional Development in Education, 39(5), 771-783 https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2012.749415

  35. Huffman, P. M. (2017). The Implementation of A Principal Mentoring Program and the Corresponding Impact on Leadership Practice[Doctoral dissertation College of William and Mary]

  36. Ingersoll, R., & Strong, M. (2011). What research tells us about the impact of induction and mentoring programs for beginning teachers. Yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education, 111(2), 466-490.https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654311403323

  37. Isari, F. & Pourkos, M. (2015). Qualitative Research Methodology. Applications in Psychology and Education. Greek Academic Textbooks and Aids. Association of Greek Academic Libraries.

  38. Jacobi, M. (1991). Mentoring and Undergraduate Academic Success: A Literature Review. Review of Educational Research, 61 (4), 505-523

  39. Kapachtsi, V. (2020). With the mentor in the team. Thessaloniki: Kyriakidis

  40. Karabasi, Ε. & Papanis, Ε.P. (2019). The institution of the mentor in primary education. In E. Papanis & C. M. Korres (Eds.), Contemporary Research in Child Psychology: Theory and Practices. A volume of proceedings in the context of the Mental and Social Health Programmes of the University of the Aegean (89-101). Aegean University

  41. Kennett, P. & Lomas, T. (2015). Making meaning through mentoring: Mentors finding fulfillment at work through self-determination and self-reflection. International Journal of Evidence as Coaching and Mentoring, 13(2), 1-21

  42. Killion, J. (2009). Coaches' roles, responsibilities and reach. In J. Knight (Eds.), Coaching: Approaches and Perspectives (pp. 7-28). Corwin.

  43. Knight, J. (2007). Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction. Corwin Press.

  44. Koutsoukos, M. (2021). The instructional guidance/mentoring of adult educators in the application of participatory educational techniques (PhD thesis, University of Macedonia).

  45. Koutsoukos, M., Sipitanou, A. (2020, November 9-10). Applying mentoring in adult education: Benefits for mentees, mentors and educational organizations [Conference session]. 13th International Conference of Education, research and innovation, Seville, Spain.

  46. Koutsoukos, M., Fragoulis, I., Valkanos, E., Kyriatzakou, K. (2021). The use of mentoring in adult education. Benefits for trainers, mentors and educational organizations. Educational Circle, 9(1).

  47. Kozelková, Κ. (2024). Mentoring as a way to the professional development of in- service physics teachers. Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2715(1) doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2715/1/012009

  48. Kram, K. (1985). Mentoring alternatives: The role of peer relationships in career development. Academy of Management Journal, 28, 110-132. DOI:102307/256064

  49. Kutsyuruba, B., Walker, K.D., & Godden, L. (2019). Contextual factors in early career teaching: A systematic review of international research on teacher induction and mentoring programs. Journal of Global Education and Research, 3(2), 85-123.

  50. Langdon, F. (2011). Shifting perception and practice: New Zealand beginning teacher induction and mentor as a pathway to expertise. Professional Development in Education, 37(2), 241-258 https://doi.org/10.1080/194

  51. Lavin-Colky, D., & Young, W. H. (2006). Mentoring in the virtual organization: Keys to building successful schools and businesses. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 14, 433-447. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611260500493683

  52. Lopez-Real, F., & Kwan, T. (2005). Mentors’ perceptions of their own professional development during mentoring. Journal of Education for Teaching, 31(1), 15–24

  53. Louka, D. & Petsiou, H. (2016, February 26-28). Mentoring in education. [Conference proceedings]. Perspectives for a modern and democratic school, Athens, Greece.

  54. Makropoulou, E., Iordanidis, G. (2016). The Mentor Institution: Views of experienced teachers on the conditions and expected benefits. Education Sciences, 2016(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.26248/.v2016i2.1210

  55. Marable, M., & Raimondi, S. (2007). Teachers’ perceptions of what was most (and least) supportive during their first year of teaching. Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 15(1), 25–37 https://doi.org/10.1080/13611260601037355

  56. Matthews, C. (2015). Creating Space for New Teacher Voices: Examining Mentoring from the Perspective of New Teacher Residents. [Doctoral dissertation Georgia State University]

  57. Mc Connell, K. & Geesa, R. (2019). Self-reflective mentoring: perspectives of peer mentors in an education doctoral program. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, 8(2), 86-101

  58. Mee-Lee, L. & Bush, T. (2003). Student mentoring in higher education: Hong Kong Baptist University. Mentoring & Tutoring, 11, 263-271 https://doi.org/10.1080/1361126032000138319

  59. Michiotis, S., Braoudakis, G., Adamopoulos, A., Guklas, D., Nikiforaki, K., & Economou, K. (2006). Design and development of a mentoring system. Athens: Perspective.

  60. Moor, H., K. Halsey, M. Jones, K. Martin, A. Stott, C. Brown & J. Harland (2005) Professional development for teachers early in their careers: An evaluation of the early professional development pilot scheme. Research Report 613.

  61. Morettini, B., Luet, K., & Vernon-Dotson, L. (2020). Building beginning teacher resilience: Exploring the relationship between mentoring and contextual acceptance. The educational forum, 84, (1), 48–62.

  62. ΟECD (2016). What makes a school a learning organization? A guide for policy makers, school leaders and teachers.Paris: OECD

  63. Orland-Barak, L. (2005). The expressed and the realized: Mentors’ representations of a mentoring conversation and its realization in practice. Teaching and Teacher Education, 21 (4), 379-402. DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2004.05.003

  64. Orland-Barak, L. (2014). Mediation in mentoring: A synthesis of studies in Teaching and Teacher Education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 44, 180-188 DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2014.07.011

  65. Papadimitriou, A. (2023). The Institution of the Mentor in the Greek Educational System: Views of mentors and teachers on the first official implementation of the institution. [ Diploma thesis, University of Macedonia] Psepheda Digital Library and Institutional Repository.

  66. Peterson, M.S., Valk, C., Baker, C.A., Brugger, L. & Hightower, A.D. (2010). “We’re Not Just Interested in the Work”: Social and Emotional Aspects of Early Educator Mentoring Relationships, Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning,18 (2), 155-175 https://doi.org/10.1080/13611261003678895

  67. Petrovska, S., Sivevska, D., Popeska, B., Runcheva,J. (2018). Mentoring in teaching profession. International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering and Education 6(2) doi:10.5937/ijcrsee1802047P

  68. Phillips, N. & Fragoulis, I. (2010). Exploring the Beliefs of Primary Education Teachers Regarding the Contribution of Mentoring in Schools. Review of European Studies, 2(2), 201-213 Doi 10.5539/res.v2n2p201

  69. Ponte, E. & Twomey, S. (2014). Veteran teachers mentoring in training: negotiating issues of power, vulnerability and professional development. Journal of Education and Teaching. International Research and Pedagogy, 40 (1), 20-33. https://doi.org/10.1080/02607476.2013.864015

  70. Quintana, Μ.G. (2014). E-mentoring: The effects on pedagogical training of rural teachers with complex geographical accesses. Computers in Human Behavior, 30, 629-636 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.07.042

  71. Retna, Κ. & Tee Ng, P. (2016). The application of learning organization to enhance learning in Singapore schools. British Education Leadership, Management & Administration Society, 30(1), 10-18

  72. Roberts, A. (2000). Mentoring revisited: A phenomenological reading of the literature. Mentoring and Tutoring, 8(2), 145-170. DOI: 10.1080/713685524

  73. Scandura, T.A. & Williams, E.A. (2004). Mentoring and transformational leadership: The role of supervisory career mentoring. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65, 448-468

  74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2003.10.003

  75. Schechter, C. (2008). Organizational Learning Mechanisms: The Meaning, Measure and Implications for School Improvement. Educational Administration Quarterly, 44(2), 155-186

  76. Shapira-Lishchinsky, O. (2011). Mentors’ ethical perceptions: implications for practice. Journal of Educational Administration, 50(4), 437-462

  77. Simpson, T., Hastings, W., & Hill, B. (2007). ‘‘I knew that she was watching me’’: the professional benefits of mentoring. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 13(5), 481–498.

  78. Sinclair, C. (2003). Mentoring online about mentoring possibilities and practices. Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 11(1), 79-94.

  79. Spanorriga, C., Tsiotakis, P., & Jimoyiannis, A. (2018). E-mentoring and novice teachers’ professional development: Program design and critical success factors. EdMedia + Innovate Learning 2018

  80. Swan, A., Wold. C., Moon, A., Neville, A. & Outca, J. (2020). Mentor and new teacher self-perceptions regarding the effectiveness of a statewide mentoring program. Critical studies in education 11(3), 190-207.

  81. Trikas, M. & Kasimatis A. (2020). The importance and role of the Mentor for the reception and integration of newly appointed teachers: Exploring the views of Primary Education teachers in the Prefecture of Evia. Educational Circle, 8 (1), 8-27.

  82. Tsiolis, G. (2014). Methods and techniques of analysis in qualitative social research. Athens.

  83. Vanderburg, Μ. & Stephens, D. (2010). The impact of literacy coaches: What teachers value and how teachers change. The Elementary School Journal, 111(1), 141-163 DOI: 10.1086/653473

  84. Waterman, S. & He, Y. (2011). Effects of Mentoring Programs on New Teacher Retention: A Literature Review. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 19(2), 139-156 DOI: 10.1080/13611267.2011.564348

  85. Watkins, K. E., & Marsick, V. J. (1996). In action: Creating the learning organization. Alexandria, VA: American Society for Training and Development

bottom of page