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How confidential is this mentor pairing?
As a part of our process, mentors are trained and sign a confidentiality document when they agree to a mentor pairing. The information you share with them is confidential. The only information they should share with a direct supervisor is the positive growth you’re making.
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Do I have to attend the Launching School Leadership (LSL) series as a stipulation of receiving a mentor?
It is strongly encouraged that new leaders participate in the AWSP Launching School Leadership series to support their growth and learning in their first year of school leadership. This series focuses on the AWSP Criterion, connecting you with a cohort of WA state school leaders and creating a space to connect, problem solve and learn with other school leaders on the same journey. LSL is intentional about focusing the pro-learning to the needs of new school leaders.
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Do I get any say in who my mentor is?
We ask mentees to complete a request for mentor services. We do our very best to match the most qualified mentor with the information you provide. If your district has mentoring in place, we do not necessarily influence these pairings for larger systems. However, we are open to helping you navigate challenging situations. Just contact our team and we can help problem solve.
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If I am not a “new” school leader, but I’m changing levels do I still qualify for mentoring support?
We recognize school context as an important need to pay attention to in school leader mentoring. If you are brand new, or even just newly assigned to a level you’ve not been at previously in school leadership, you DO qualify for support. The mentor application process should help you make that need known.
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Do I receive a mentor stipend for participating in the AWSP mentor program?
Our grant stipends go directly to mentors. Mentees benefit from mentoring through the gift of time (by your mentor) and through the direct professional development provided in the Implementation Sessions.
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Should my direct supervisor be assigned as my AWSP mentor?
No. Our internal process, as well as, in our communication with mentor program leads in districts to ensure mentees are not mentored by direct supervisors.
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My mentor seems really busy and we are having a hard time connecting. How do I navigate this situation?
Mentoring is a two way street. It is the responsibility of both mentor and mentee to agree upon and keep mentoring appointments. If you are struggling to authentically connect with your mentor, please reach out to our team. We are here to help navigate in a confidential manner.
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Why do I need to participate in the Implementation sessions?
Implementation sessions build the skill and will of both members in the mentoring relationship. The implementation sessions are crafted with busy school leaders in mind and cover important topics/themes that are beneficial to both groups. This collaborative principal learning network is a part of the professional development portion of our grant.
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If I’ve been participating in the AWSP mentor program, can I keep my mentor?
Each spring we survey all mentors and mentees. You can provide your interest in keeping your mentor for subsequent years by completing the end of year survey.
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If I’ve been participating in the AWSP mentor program, but would like a different mentor for the upcoming school year, what should I do?
Each spring we survey all mentors and mentees. You can provide your interest in moving on to a new mentor in the future by completing the end of year survey.
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What happens if I don’t get a formal pairing? Is there any way to access support?
All new leaders in our state are welcome to join the Implementation sessions free of charge to support their professional development and learning. Go the the AWSP Mentor Program homepage to register for these virtual sessions to join the fun!
Take me back to the AWSP mentoring page for new leaders.