Gifts of Mentorships

Abstract

The benefits or "gifts" deriving from a mentorship, for both mentors and proteges, are described. The list of benefits was developed from the literature on mentorships, from interviews with mentors and proteges, and from an evaluation completed by gifted students and their mentors at the termination of a school mentorship program. Gifts to proteges include: advancement of career, an increase in knowledge and skills (general as well as specific), development of known as well as undiscovered talents, development of a personal ethic, establishment of a friendship, and enhancement of creativity. Also described are the following gifts to mentors: getting work done, having ideation stimulated, establishing a long-term friendship, and receiving personal satisfaction. Implications for educators of the gifted and talented focus on program development.