Leading with care: four mentor metaphors in collaboration between teachers and researchers in action research (Translated from the Swedish and revised by the authors)

Mentoring is a central aspect of action research processes and raises ethical issues concerning roles responsibilities, particularly when teachers researchers collaborate. The purpose the study to explore mentoring mentors in from an stance. theoretical basis philosophy care ethics developed by American educational philosopher, Nel Noddings. Participants included one researcher three with experience serving as research. Data collection written reflections collegial conversations on mentoring. Thematic analysis domain interactional model were used analysis, where four mentor metaphors emerged: gardener, shepherd, teacher bridge-builder. All can be practiced at same time; sensitivity determines moves out different roles. finds that contribute increased understanding something situated relational, symmetrical approach between mentee emphasized. goal should not treat everyone equally, but instead build relationships individual level order establish mutual trust based needs. shows serve useful tool for critical reflection complexity role accordingly, renegotiation stereotypical relation quality teaching.