Physical and Health Education Canada Mentorship Program Inquiry: A Meaningful Experience for Mentors

Abstract

Mentorship plays a crucial role in one’s education. Recent research has shown that mentors can benefit from participating in mentorship experiences. Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) recognizes the value of mentorship and its vital role in developing expertise and supporting the physical education community. This study examined the effects of the PHE Canada National Mentorship Program on those who volunteer to act as mentors. The research utilized a mixed-methods case study incorporating quantitative and qualitative data sources. Data collection involved multiple sources of information and identified case-based themes. In analyzing recurring patterns across surveys, individual interviews, and focus group interviews, four themes emerged concerning mentors’ participation: aspirations for mentorship, benefits of mentoring, advantages of virtual mentorship, and professional consciousness upon student learning. An additional theme emerged from the data, highlighting the program’s potential to significantly enact and promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in physical and health education (PHE).