Benefits of Mentoring for School Principals

Abstract

Various forms of professional insertion programs, including those inspired by mentoring, have been developed in professional fields (e.g., entrepreneurial, organizational, etc.). The main goal of these programs is to support beginners in their new functions. Mentoring is considered as an important source of learning for new entrepreneurs, as well as contributing to experience, relationships with colleagues, and self-learning [1]. Mentoring can lead to many areas of professional growth for novice entrepreneurs that will be transferred within the organization, such as development of management skills, development of reflective practice in different situations (conflict or other), as well as improved decision-making processes [2]. For St Jean [3], a novice entrepreneur who has been supported by a mentor enjoys various advantages: development of knowledge and skills, reduction of professional isolation, construction of professional identity, etc. Guay et al.[4] define mentoring as a means of consolidating the mentee's professional identity and making a successful transition into the workplace. Lusignan [5] emphasizes the relational aspect of mentoring as "a form of professional insertion by which an experienced person supports a junior person, through a cooperative relationship, in a transition to a new reality and in his or her learning towards the development of his or her personal and professional potential" (p.45-46). During mentoring, the mentee builds his or her professional identity and leadership model through interaction with other experienced leaders [6]. Derue and Ashford [7] indicate that the mentor is a model who ensures the development of the mentee's identity. When mentees feel protected and supported in their actions, they believe in their abilities, work on their leadership, and develop through mentoring. By observing their model (the mentor), the new leader (the mentee) begins to appropriate similar reactions and acquire the necessary skills for successful integration into the job [8,9].According to Rhodes & Fletcher [10], mentoring can improve emotional well-being, strengthen social relationships, and increase cognitive skills and identity development. Dubois et al. [11] highlight benefits such as self-perception (better self-esteem) and the mentee's sense of effectiveness. In a motivational approach to mentoring, Brodeur et al. [12] identify three benefits to a mentoring relationship: 1) a sense of efficacy, 2) a sense of belonging, and 3) a sense of autonomy. St Jean [1] focuses on cognitive and emotional learning as benefits resulting from a mentoring relationship. School PrincipalsResearchers have long been interested in the complex and demanding nature of the school principals' job. Based on the importance of mentoring for the novice entrepreneur, it becomes essential to understand this relationship and its benefits for new school principals. For school principals, mentoring refers to a relationship between a qualified, experienced principal and a new principal to help this individual make t...