Webinar: A Mentoring Model for Arts Teacher Equity

Presenter: Rachel Hoke

This webinar shares original research that piloted a virtual peer mentoring program for novice K-12 art and music teachers at high risk for professional isolation and attrition due to their status as one-person departments within their schools. By facilitating a blend of synchronous and asynchronous virtual interactions, the geographic and scheduling barriers that typically prevent access to effective content-specific mentors were removed, enabling these specialized teachers to experience beneficial early-career mentoring in an equitable manner while meeting the state mentoring requirements for continued teacher licensure. The study methodology, notable results, and potential opportunities for and obstacles to implementing a similar program will be discussed, including evidence of direct benefits to teachers and recommendations for structural changes to support arts teacher retention and job satisfaction. Attendees will leave prepared with strategies to coordinate, develop, and advocate for similar innovations in their own professional settings to benefit both novice and experienced visual and performing arts teachers.

Rachel Hoke (she/her) taught music and special education in K-12 settings for more than a decade prior to her current role as the Director for Teaching & Learning Design at University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: Educational Technology from the University of South Carolina, an M.S. in School Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a B.M. from West Chester University. Her research interests include teacher education, technology integration, faculty development, and learning experience design.