Music Mentor Preparation and Professional Development: A Program Review of the NAfME Music Mentorship Program Facilitator and Mentor Support Project (MMSP)

Abstract

The purpose of this program review was to provide an in-depth analysis of the National Association for Music Education Music Mentorship Program Facilitator and Mentor Support Project, led by members of Society for Music Teacher Education’s Supporting Beginning Music Teachers Area of Strategic Planning and Action. We used an illuminative evaluation process (Patton, 2015) to present (a) a rich description of the project, (b) perceptions of key stakeholders (organizers, session leaders, participating mentors/mentorship program facilitators), and (c) findings pertinent to developing new music teacher mentor programs. Along with a description of the program, the findings are organized into successes, opportunities, weaknesses, and challenges as outlined by a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Challenges analysis (Even Zahav & Hazzan, 2017). Within these areas, the unique design, workshop calendar and pace, as well as transferable content to state music education association (MEA) programs are presented. The review presents the program design as well as recommendations for making clearer connections to the needs of state-level MEA-sponsored mentoring programs.