Junior faculty members face pressure to excel in the threefold mission of their assignment (teaching, research, and service) because the tenure process is complex and requires one to balance many diverse and competing demands. This qualitative study analyzed the self-mentoring practices of a tenure-track faculty who strove to improve his…

This paper traces the history and impact of communities of practice (CoPs) in supporting early-career academics, although the primary focus here in the United States is on the faculty learning community (FLC) model, a special type of CoP in higher education. The initial development of this model, beginning in 1979, takes place over two decades at…

The MAST-EL University and School Partnership supports a strategic infrastructure for preparing preservice and in-service teachers ensuring high quality mathematics and science instruction for English learners (ELs). The partnership in its second year consists of thirty-two in-service elementary teachers, three instructional coaches, thirty…

This paper reports on a research case study into a form of mentoring for teachers in higher education in Ireland with 30 academic staff. It begins with an exploration of the concept and practice of mentoring in the world of higher education professional development; focus will be limited to an overview of the concept of teacher mentoring, an…

The article documents the creation of and rationale behind best practices to maintain high performance for teaching and learning at an online university. The grassroots involvement of faculty, building on best practice efforts that guided faculty in the past, the effort to engage the full faculty in the review of documents describing best…

This study describes assessment results from the Distance Education Mentoring Program (DEMP) at Purdue University Calumet, Indiana, USA. The program, sponsored by the university's Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, was made available to all teaching faculty who wished to become proteges and develop their skills at teaching online courses. The…

What elements are critical in fostering the engagement of two individuals in a mentoring relationship? Based on this phenomenological research on the mentoring experiences of women faculty, a feeling of connection emerged as an essential attribute of these relationships. The findings suggest that HRD professionals should be engaged in providing…

Describes the potential problems and benefits of departmental-level mentoring programs to improve faculty teaching, then describes the Program for the Enhancement of Teaching at DePaul University, including its specific activities such as lunches and seminars. (EV)

Discusses the importance of mentoring to faculty development programs, reviewing basic concepts, theories, and research related to mentoring. Indicates that faculty mentoring programs can provide ways for educators to understand diversity, learn about teaching techniques, and feel supported by other faculty members. Describes features of…

This paper seeks to answer three basic questions related to the use of teaching portfolios in faculty evaluation and development: (1) "What is a teaching portfolio?"; (2) "How can the teaching portfolio be used to document and facilitate teaching?"; and (3) "How can teaching portfolios be assessed?" The teaching portfolio is seen as encouraging…

This monograph describes Ohio University College of Education's Entry Year Pilot Project. The College of Education was awarded grant money to create and implement a mentoring program to help entry-year teachers through their first year and through the Praxis III assessment. The project involved beginning teachers, school-level mentors, and…

Describes four community college peer mentoring programs implemented at Niagara County Community College (New York) to update faculty members' skills, promote cross-discipline cooperation, improve new/adjunct faculty teaching, and improve teaching skills through interdisciplinary mentor teams. Analyzes results of the peer mentor projects. (MAB)

Some relevant issues concerning the mentoring of women and minorities in the realm of higher education are addressed, primarily focusing on the differences and problems that exist in assisting these two groups of professionals in achieving their career goals. The importance of mentoring and methods that can be used by a mentor in assisting the…

Explores the frequency and quality of faculty-faculty mentoring experiences. Mentoring contributed to the professional development of proteges and was both gender- and rank-specific, with mentoring opportunities more limited for junior female faculty. Found differences between the American and Australian samples; mentoring received less attention…

This digest discusses the use of faculty mentoring programs to empower faculty and ultimately benefit the institution and improve the quality of higher education. It refers to the literature on mentoring in terms of conceptual frameworks, mentoring arenas, and roles and functions of mentors and proteges. It briefly addresses the following aspects…