A Seat at Beth’s Table

Abstract

During our doctoral programs, the authors were provided an opportunity to join a dissertation support group facilitated by Dr. Beth Blue Swadener. The group consisted primarily of students who were enrolled in education PhD programs, as well as several students from other areas such as justice studies and other interdisciplinary social sciences. Dissertation support extended beyond addressing the challenges of developing a sustainable writing practice, to moving our doctoral dissertation processes forward. With a spirit of generosity, the space was designed in order for students to articulate goals, concerns, and vulnerabilities, as well as to discuss and process the inevitable barriers and challenges that arise when developing a long-form research piece, such as a dissertation or book. The group quickly became a space where members could share their wins and successes, as well as develop community through breaking bread together at each of the sessions. This spirit of generosity in mentorship was modeled by Beth and has become an approach the authors have brought into their own career trajectories as professors. This piece explores some of our previous experiences in the group and connects them to the mentorship practices we currently employ in our respective institutions.