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Why has AWSP changed the training process and requirements?
We did an audit of our training materials and realized we had not given enough time and energy to issues of equity. We wanted to use this re-training process to offer free cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion (CCDEI) and equity training/resources to existing mentors and mentees in a Principal Learning Community format. We also wanted to ensure that all members (mentors, mentees, emeritus, etc.) have access to quality training that is currently free through our grant–creating another opportunity to grow our member’s skill set.
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How often will I have to apply to be an AWSP Mentor?
Every three years, we will ask mentors to re-apply, update their leadership experiences, and attend the 1-day in-person training. AWSP works tirelessly to create tools to support school leaders. We want our members who are supporting members to know about our new tools and resources in a timely manner. Additionally, the world context is constantly changing, and we need to ensure our mentors are kept up to speed.
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If I am not paired in the coming year with a mentee, why do I have to attend implementation sessions solo?
We are working to scale up our program from 150 pairings to a minimum of 300 pairings in the next few years with a large legislative ask in the 2022-23 budget year. AWSP mentor training is a FREE training that helps us prepare for the need down the road and provide quality mentoring for more new leaders than our grant will provide. The added benefit of CCDEI clock hours for a minimum fee will be available for all participants, regardless of their paired status. We know that new leaders will not be paired because the funding will run out. Even so, attending implementation sessions is a great way to support new leaders, make connections, get some clock hours, and benefit from awesome AWSP pro-learning! Implementation sessions will be a part of getting certified to train (we want YOUR feedback!) and a way to grow our Principal Learning Community!
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Do I need to keep a log of activities?
Yes. The AWSP Mentor Program is paid for through state and federal dollars, and we will be required to submit records at the end of the year to justify the dollars. This is a new but firm requirement! This log will help us, as program leads, to provide the kind of PD needed for seated school leaders. All paired mentors will be required to submit a record of activities for all paired mentors in the coming year.
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I’m excited about mentoring, but I’ve not been paired. How do I stay engaged in this work?
See question #3! We have a few communications pathways that we’d love you to consider sharing about your mentoring experience. You can write a blog post and/or submit an article to Washington Principal Magazine. Contact David Morrill, Communications Director, for more information.
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My mentee is not returning my messages; should I just stop trying to pursue? I know they are so busy.
We understand everyone in public education is busy. It’s the nature of the job. Our new application process will call out LOUDLY the importance of mentoring being a two-way street. Mentors and Mentees both have a responsibility to communicate with each other, make a plan and stick to it. Implementation sessions will be a great way to create connection, co-learning, and opportunities to engage in the “right” work. If you are struggling with this, please email Gina & Dameon jointly, and they will work to solve issues discreetly behind the scenes. This can be a common challenge but takes a little effort to get back on track.
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If I get paired with a mentee outside of my current system, what are my next steps? How do I navigate this?
First, please notify and receive permission from your own supervisor prior to accepting an out-of-district assignment. Keeping your own supervisor aware of your professional commitments helps to build trust with the AWSP program. Secondly, send an email, make a phone call to your mentee and start rolling! Stipends are paid to mentors through the state iGrants program. Out of district mentors have a stipend rate that is set through our office at a rate of $75 per hour.
Keep a regular log of activities you prep and attend with your mentee, you will be asked to submit this with your payment request. This is taxable income, so you will need to fill out a W-9 at the district you are requesting payment from. We suggest submitting for half of your hours in December and the other half the first week of June…this is not a steadfast rule, but more of a guideline to work out payment kinks early.
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My mentee’s supervisor has reached out to me and is “checking to see how things are going”. How do I navigate this?
Mentoring is a confidential relationship and service we provide for OUR members. It would not be appropriate for direct supervisors to ask for the “details” of the work you are doing. However, we want to be transparent as mentoring is a huge support. Stay focused on the positive aspects of what you are learning together in implementation sessions, the concrete work of the AWSP Leadership Framework, and the School Leader Paradigm. That’s all great stuff! If you have a concern that things might not be going well please reach out to Gina Yonts. She is happy to help and navigate any of these situations with you.
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I’m having a hard time getting all of my mentor hours in with my mentee. Should I just submit for payment?
We know how busy everyone in public education is! It could be a challenge with communication, situational awareness/leadership, overwhelmingness, or internal/external stressors. Please let Gina know if you are struggling to meet your mentee hours. We can get creative about how to support you. Sometimes support may look like research on the mentor side for a project or topic the new leader is trying to lead. We strongly encourage problem-solving and assisting mentors in collecting their full hours for mentoring. Email Dameon and/or Gina.
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I’m uncomfortable trying to navigate payment from my mentee’s district* for mentor services. What do I do?
See red print from Question #6. Again, we encourage billing for mentor services in December and again in May/June. iGrants responsibilities can shift from employee to employee based on the shifting that happens within the school year and we help to navigate this. If you start out the year by asking the right questions and following through periodically, the payment piece follows. You are considered a mini-contractor, please know that advocating for payment for services rendered gets easier over time. It’s just business and we are here to help! Email Dameon and/or Gina.
* If you are mentoring within your own organization, your Principal Mentoring lead should be able to communicate with you, when and how you will receive payment. See FAQ #4: AWSP does expect you to keep a log of activities and submit it to us at the end of each year. Our program is funded through ESSER (Federal $$) and TPEP (State $$) and we are required to collect and submit data for our program.
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I’ve enjoyed my experience with mentoring. How can I share my experience with mentoring to encourage others?
See FAQ #3 & #5. We are always looking for interested mentors to support face-to-face training when we are in your region, be positive vocal support in implementation sessions and write blog posts, articles and provide resources. If you are interested in being more involved, we will work with you to find a way to contribute more! Thanks for your interest in AWSP Principal Mentoring Program! Email Dameon and/or Gina.
Take me back to the AWSP page for Mentors.