Utilizing the educational leadership mentoring framework to analyze intern and mentor dynamics during the administrative internship

In this study, we sought to understand the development of mentoring relationships during the administrative internship through the lens of the Educational Leadership Mentoring Framework (ELMF). Two cases of mentor/intern pairs were used to explore how each experienced the phases of the ELMF. Data collection methods included two mentor and intern interviews, internship journal entries, observations, and time logs. Findings highlight the significance of necessary processes involved with establishing a mentoring relationship, cultivating that relationship through the development of trust, and how those efforts could or could not result in a meaningful and mutually beneficial learning experience for both the mentor and administrative intern. These results have implications for universities preparing future school leaders, as well as leadership pipelines and programs in school districts. Both entities could use the ELMF to enhance the quality of internship experiences, as well as the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of both interns and mentors.