Mentorship and Training ESOL Teachers Through a Clinically Rich Intensive Teacher Institute

Abstract

The authors of this chapter conducted research to address how professional development and support networks can strengthen ESOL teacher education when they co-directed a state-funded grant program for ESOL teachers. Through the program in which they collaborated with mentor teachers, school administrators, and program participants, they ensured that professional support was made accessible to program participants who were being trained to become certified ESOL teachers through institutional and state-level resources and emphasized the importance of ESOL teachers' professional growth through professional support networks. This chapter will focus on mentorship within the program and advocate the importance of building support systems for teachers during and after teacher training while highlighting professional development for ESOL teachers.