Building Inclusive Communities Through Peer Mentoring: A Tool for Change

Peer Mentoring

Authors

  • Melissa Jones Northern Kentucky University
  • Katie Budke Northern Kentucky University
  • Olivia Brown Covington Independent Schools
  • Rebecca Caldwell Covington Independent Schools
  • Courtney Claybern Pendleton County Schools
  • Rose Jacobs Fayette County Schools
  • Mandi Robinson Cincinnati Public Schools

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13021/jipe.2020.2648

Keywords:

inclusion; postsecondary education; intelletual disability; peer mentoring

Abstract

Qualitative research was conducted to unearth the personal and professional impact on peer mentors who volunteer to support students with ID in an inclusive postsecondary program.  344 written reflections provided by 85 peer mentors over a ten-year period were analyzed using Grounded Theory.  Results focus on three categories, including 1) Professional Learning; 2) Intrapersonal Learning; and 3) Broadening Friendship Networks.  A fourth category, Challenging [dis]ability, demonstrated an impact of the peer mentoring experience that extended beyond personal and professional benefits gained by peer mentors, with implications for altering societal views of individuals with disabilities, recognizing abilities over disabilities.

Author Biographies

Katie Budke, Northern Kentucky University

Katie Budke is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University and is currently employed as a Space Planning Analyst for PL Marketing in Newport, Kentucky.

 

Olivia Brown, Covington Independent Schools

Olivia Brown is an intervention specialist in the Covington Independent Schools in Covington Kentucky. 

Rebecca Caldwell, Covington Independent Schools

Rebecca Caldwell is an intervention specialist in the Covington Independent School District in Covington, Kentucky.

Courtney Claybern, Pendleton County Schools

Courtney Claybern is a 4th grade Science teacher in the Pendleton County Schools in Pendleton County, Kentucky.

Rose Jacobs, Fayette County Schools

Rose Jacobs is an intervention specialist for the Fayette County Schools in Lexington, Kentucky.

Mandi Robinson, Cincinnati Public Schools

Mandi Robinson is an intervention specialist in the Cincinnati Public Schools, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Published

2020-09-23

How to Cite

Jones, M., Budke, K., Brown, O. ., Caldwell, R., Claybern, C., Jacobs, R., & Robinson, M. (2020). Building Inclusive Communities Through Peer Mentoring: A Tool for Change: Peer Mentoring. Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.13021/jipe.2020.2648