The Value of Mentorship in Special Education Programs

Belkis Choiseul-Praslin; Brittany Auernig-Roan; Jonathan S. Toccoli; Charlene Starks; Bruce B. Mercado; Taylor Mestres

doi:10.64546/jaasep.615

The Value of Mentorship in Special Education Programs

Belkis Choiseul-Praslin, PhD, Brittany Auernig-Roan, EdD, Jonathan S. Toccoli, EdD, Charlene Starks, EdD, Bruce B. Mercado, M.Ed., Taylor Mestres, M.Ed. Author Details

Belkis Choiseul-Praslin, PhD (Author) University of the Pacific
Brittany Auernig-Roan, EdD (Author) University of the Pacific
Jonathan S. Toccoli, EdD (Author) University of the Pacific
Charlene Starks, EdD (Author) University of the Pacific
Bruce B. Mercado, M.Ed. (Author) University of the Pacific
Taylor Mestres, M.Ed. (Author) University of the Pacific

DOI

https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.615

Abstract

This study investigates the critical role of mentorship in preparing pre-service special education teachers for the challenges of the classroom. We surveyed pre-service special education teachers before and after engaging in a year-long mentorship experience with a veteran teacher. We also followed up with study participants one year after the mentorship experience ended, during their first year of teaching, to examine longer-term perceptions of mentorship. Findings indicate that participants reported increased readiness in instructional practice, classroom management, and confidence in their teaching abilities. However, participants reported ongoing gaps in preparation, particularly related to case management and working with students from diverse backgrounds. Implications for educator preparation programs and future research are discussed.

Keywords

special education, educator preparation, teacher preparation, mentorship

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How to Cite

Choiseul-Praslin, B., Auernig-Roan, B., Toccoli, J. S., Starks, C., Mercado, B. B., & Mestres, T. (2026). The Value of Mentorship in Special Education Programs. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 21(1), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.615