Advisory Committee Chair
Linda Searby
Advisory Committee Members
John Dantzler
Jerry L Patterson
Tonya Perry
George Theodore
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2010
Degree Name by School
Doctor of Education (EdD) School of Education
Abstract
ABSTRACT The purpose of this multiple case study was to examine the mentoring relationship between principals and their teachers in regards to instructional practice at three demo-graphically diverse elementary schools. Multiple data sources were used to conduct qua-litative research which resulted in extensive data collection and analysis. The collection of data was conducted through direct observations, semi-structured interviews, and a review of documents provided by each research site. This case study used the theories of adult learning, instructional leadership and transformational leadership to explain the findings, provide focused implications for mentoring processes between principals and teachers, and to influence the direction of future research on the central phenomenon. Data analysis involved the direct interpretation and categorical aggregation of themes and sub-themes through a coding process. The themes identified were providing support for teachers, engaging in formal and informal mentoring, and maintaining colla-borative communication. Findings were also triangulated through cross case analysis. The specific sampling strategies used for this study were maximum variation sampling and criterion sampling. Maximum variation was employed to select three diverse sites based on demographics and location. Through criterion sampling, a total of twelve individuals were selected across all three sites to participate in the study. The participants included one principal and three teachers from each site who responded to interview questions and were observed as they interacted with colleagues and students in their settings. Research findings revealed that principals supported their teachers through posi-tive vocabulary, instructional and material supplies, and emotional encouragement. For-mal and informal mentoring practices were also evident among all research participants, in addition to collaborative communication between the principals and teachers. The find-ings were generally consistent with slight variations among three contrasting demographic settings based on the socio economic levels of low, middle, and high income classes.
Recommended Citation
Wren, Walter Burke, "Principals Mentoring Teachers To Improve Instructional Practices: A Multiple Case Study" (2010). All ETDs from UAB. 3376.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/3376