MENTORSHIP (As defined by me) - A process by which one develops their practice through facilitation.
Although it might be short and simple, I think that this definition allows for both parties involved (the mentor and the mentee) to be equal contributors in the mentorship process and highlights that the mentee is not simply "taught" how to become a teacher. Rather, the individual who is the teacher in training goes through a facilitation process of developing their own practice. However, this definition might be considered a bit utopian or optimistic; it might overlook the reality that the expertise of one party might actually take precedence over the other. For example, in contrast to the following definition:
MENTOR - "The one-to-one support of a novice or less experienced practitioner (mentee) by a more
experienced practitioner (mentor)" (Hobson, Ashby, Malderez & Tomlinson, 2009).
The role of the mentor can also be defined in relation to other similar roles that may be included as a part of mentorship. For example:
ADVISOR - "The aim of the advisor in the feedback session is to enable the teacher to reflect on their teaching experience and to critically assess their understandings and teaching in the light of this reflection" (Randall & Thorton, 2003b, p.120).
COACH - "[provides] guidance and support as teachers work toward their own improvement" (Zepeda & Ponticell, 1998, p.76).
COUNSELLOR - "Adviser, especially of students; senior officer in diplomatic service" (Bowers, 1987, p.140).
SUPERVISOR - "To direct or guide the teacher's teaching; to offer suggestions on the best way to teach; to model teaching; to advise teachers; to evaluate the teacher's teaching" (Gebhard, 1984, p.501).
(The image above depicts my initial definition of mentorship. While the mentee possesses the materials and tools that are required to become a teacher, they may not be aware of how they might implement them. The role of the mentor here is to facilitate the development of the mentee's awareness of what they might do with the tools and materials that they possess)