Mentoring & Coaching

School leaders (principals, assistant principals, deans, district office administrators, and department chairs) face unique challenges as they transition into new career roles. A trained mentor provides strategic questioning and opportunities for reflection, feedback and guided planning, and support and motivation to sustain the new leader in ongoing professional development.

Several factors are considered when pairing mentors with proteges, including location, gender, race, school and community context, professional goals, interpersonal styles, and learning needs.

Mentor Services

• Deliver 20, 40 or 60 hours of mentoring (based on contract): One-on-one sessions (a minimum of three on-site visits in addition to virtual meetings, phone conversations, texts, and emails); Optional collective virtual sessions throughout the year to bring proteges, mentors and thought leaders together to provide networking, discussion, and support.
• Provide advice and support with decision-making, strategic planning, entry planning, and goal setting.
• Establish environmental intelligence regarding building, operations, staff, students, parents, community and school culture and environment.
• Utilize collaborative, instructional, and reflective coaching techniques.

School Leader (Protégé) Benefits

• Confidential support from a successful, veteran school leader.
• Improved leadership, reflection, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Enhanced instructional leadership confidence.
• Advancement of professional values.
• Eased burden of first year challenges.
• Development of a professional learning network.
• Access to Ed Leaders Network (ELN) and ELN Connect for professional learning opportunities and access to a national network of educators.
• Support from IPA Field Service Specialists as well as Region and Association Leadership.