Activity 1.1 | Shared Leadership and Peer Mentorship

Peer mentorship in Early Childhood Education (ECE) fosters collaboration, professional growth, and a supportive community among educators. By pairing experienced practitioners with less experienced colleagues, peer mentorship provides a platform for sharing knowledge, strategies, and practical insights. It encourages reflective practice, enhances teaching skills, and builds confidence in navigating complex scenarios in childcare settings. This relationship is mutually beneficial, as both mentors and mentees gain new perspectives and deepen their understanding of child development and best practices. Ultimately, peer mentorship cultivates a culture of continuous learning and professional connection within ECE environments.

Danielle Schmuecker hosts a podcast for people in the ECE field in British Columbia to "connect, talk, and learn from each other." ECEBC, WAGE, and SRDC support her podcast, which covers various ECE-relevant topics. Listen to episode four: Dr. Laura Doan on Peer Mentorship. 

After watching the video and listening to the podcast episode, consider:

• What do you see as some advantages of a shared leadership model? 
• What do you see as some issues that might arise? How might you mitigate these? 
• How do you incorporate democratic practices and/or shared leadership in your context?

Document your reflections in your journal. 

References

ECE in Rural BC. (2023). Episode Four: Dr Laura Doan on Peer Mentorship. Episode Four: Dr Laura Doan on Peer Mentorship