SAI now provides two distinct mentoring programs:
- one for beginning principals and superintendents which has been in existence for several years, and
- new online mentoring supports specifically designed for beginning assistant principals, associate superintendents and other central office personnel.
The new program is intended to serve educational leaders who are new to their positions, but because of Iowa Code changes in the 2010 legislative session are not eligible to receive a paid mentor. Development of the new program was made possible with the generous support of The Wallace Foundation.
Components of each program for 2010-11
Mentoring Program for New Principals and Superintendents
Audience: Required by law for any administrator new to the principalship or superintendency (district may provide its own mentoring program which must meet state specifications).
Mentors: Assigned by SAI personnel; must have had four years of administrative experience; paid by SAI through mentor’s district.
Components: Bimonthly face-to-face contacts; weekly contacts; monthly communications from SAI personnel; two statewide meetings for mentors and mentees; access to online learning modules; supports for mentee’s district supervisor to meet legal requirements at the conclusion of first year.
Required Statewide Professional Development at the SAI Office in Clive:
- All elementary principals and mentors: September 27, 2010, and January 19, 2011
- All middle school and high school principals and mentors: September 16, 2010, and January 5, 2011
- All superintendents and mentors: September 21, 2010, and January 18, 2011
Registration Fee: No charge (costs paid by program)
Cost: $1,500, which to the extent moneys are available, a school district will receive from the state per beginning administrator participating in the program.
Enrollment Process: District superintendent requests mentor for new principal (through SAI) or new superintendent indicates intent for him/herself to participate. Online application information.
Program Director: Dr. Troyce Fisher
Supports for New Assistant Principals and Associate Superintendents
Audience: Any assistant principal or associate superintendent/central office administrator new to that position; participation not required by law.
Mentors: Provided by home district; often a supervisor; unpaid.
Components: Eight online learning modules, phone and e-mail access to program director; two statewide learning opportunities; supports for writing individual professional development plan; monthly communications from program director.
Common Professional Development Opportunities at the SAI Office in Clive:
- All assistant principals: October 12 and January 26
- All associate superintendents and central office personnel: October 12 and January 26
- Registration fee: $95
Sign-Up Process: New administrator and LEA mentor sign-up form is online in Module 1. There is no charge to access online modules.
Program Director: Dr. Dave Markward, (technical support provided by Dave Sparks).
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Thanks to all who attended the 35th Annual Conference! You should have received an evaluation via e-mail to give us your feedback and help us plan next year's conference, Aug. 3-4, 2011. This year's event provided many resources that will prove valuable both at the beginning of and throughout the school year. Information will be posted as it is made available to the SAI office.
