The Importance of Mentoring Faculty Members of Color in Schools of Social Work

Abstract

Mentoring has received little attention in the social work literature. The career advancement needs, and the importance of mentoring faculty members of color, have not been adequately addressed, nor have mentoring strategies. This article includes a review of the literature, a definition of mentoring, benefits of mentoring for mentors and mentees, and discussion of the need and importance of mentoring junior faculty members of color in schools and departments of social work, along with strategies to achieve this goal.

KEYWORDS:

• diversity
• faculty development
• inclusion
• multiculturalism
• race/ethnicity

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Kerri Nicoll and Roxanna Duntley-Matos provided assistance with literature searches; Phyllis Stillman provided editing assistance.