Title:  A Challenging But Worthy Endeavor: Exploring the Perceptions of Teacher Mentees Within a Critical Policy Framework

Abstract: Urban K-12 public school teachers’ perceptions about their mentorship experience were examined in this body of work. A total of 20 former mentees from Minnesota schools in the Twin Cities completed an online survey developed by the author to learn about the mentorship experience and specific characteristics of the individual respondents’ mentorship program. Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed to determine whose experiences aligned with research and whether mentorship best practices resulted in better ratings of their overall experience. Findings demonstrate a better overall experience when mentees are matched with mentors possessing grade and subject-level experience. Limitations of the study and implications for statewide policy change, the role of state education agencies, and local education agencies are discussed.