Ripple Effects

TL;DR: Mentoring for Ed.D. candidates in educational leadership has a significant impact on degree completion and work as K-20 leaders, influencing policy, practice and transformation in education. To optimize the benefits of mentoring, programs should be multifaceted, centered on individual capacity and woven into each program element.

Abstract: In this article we explore the impact of mentoring on individuals who completed a doctoral program in educational leadership. Participants described the impact and ripple effects of mentoring on degree completion and their work as K-20 leaders to inform policy, shape practice and transform education; they also provided recommendations for infusing mentoring into the doctoral program. Data collected through focus groups and Ripple Effects Mapping (REM) was examined through Social Capital Theory and indicates mentoring for professionals seeking the Ed.D. should be multifaceted, centered on the emancipatory belief in the capacity of each individual, and woven into each program element. This study contributes to mentoring literature and extends knowledge about the unique needs of P-20 educational leaders pursuing the Ed.D. We argue for provision of a multifaceted mentoring program, which draws upon the expertise of members within the program’s network (faculty, program graduates and cohort members). Purposeful, proactive and responsive mentorship will meet the individual needs of each student, including candidates from diverse backgrounds and other marginalized populations.