ACSA mentoring is a unique and informal professional support service focused on the operational, technical and managerial aspects of the job. It helps educational leaders define, adjust and clarify their roles. It differs from Leadership Coaching, which is more formal and focused on growth of leadership capacity through intensive professional development.
ACSA mentoring is voluntary and collaborative. It is based on permission and trust, bound by ethics and confidentiality. It provides emotional and professional support through skilled listening, caring and specific feedback, and guidance by a wise, successful and experienced practitioner who has walked in the protégé’s shoes.
Mentoring provides a detached outside perspective of the protégé and site or district context, using challenges and needs as learning opportunities. It is non-judgmental and non-evaluative, with topics entirely determined by the protégé. Services can be provided on- or off-site, in person, via telephone or e-mail as determined by the protégé and mentor.
Mentors will strive to foster in their protégés a sense of belonging to a larger community of educational leaders by introducing them to ACSA events; to area and state leaders; by encouraging their participation in local, regional, and state professional events; and by facilitating a sense of connection to formal and informal networks of leaders.
For more information about the ACSA Mentoring Program please contact Michael Bossi, mbossi@acsa.org, or Mary Gomes, mgomes@acsa.org.
ACSA Mentoring Program in the News
ACSA/NTC Coaching and ACSA Mentoring: What Have We Learned? (EdCal 2/15/2010)
Rising stress, increasing accountability, higher expectations for student learning and declining resources are all reasons why ACSA has expanded its mentoring and coaching programs.
ACSA Mentoring & Coaching: Where Do We Stand? (EdCal 2/08/2010)
ACSA Leadership Coaching Director Michael Bossi details the regional success of mentoring and coaching programs offered by ACSA.