mentorship

NDCEL Principal, Superintendent & CTE Director Mentorship Program

2026-2027 Mentorship Registration is open NOW!

See the positive impacts of mentoring click here!

Programming may not officially begin until August — but connection, mentorship, and growth begin at Summer Conference, June 16-18!

If you’re a new administrator, this network matters. The relationships you build and the learning you gain here will become the foundation you lean on all year long. You don’t have to navigate leadership alone.
If you’re a veteran leader, invite someone new into the room. Your encouragement — and your presence — can make all the difference in helping a new administrator find confidence and clarity.
And if you’re stepping away from your role, one of the most important things you can do is pass the torch well. Ensure the next leader is connected, supported, and equipped with the tools and relationships they’ll need to succeed.

Leadership doesn’t begin on the first day of school. It begins with who you surround yourself with.

Program Objective
An effective mentorship experience is critical to a successful start in school leadership. Grounded in research-based practices and real-life administrative experiences, this program supports new administrators—especially those in their first three years—through structured guidance, collaborative problem-solving, and personalized support.

Participants will engage in case studies, use a consultancy protocol, and tackle real-world challenges alongside a supportive cohort. Each mentee will be paired with mentors who provide insight, feedback, and encouragement throughout the year.

The result? A strong, trusted network of professional peers and relationships that often last an entire career.

Register Today!

Investment

Year one: $3,500
Year two: $3,000
Year three+: $2,500
*Tip: You can negotiate the mentorship program into your contract.

Program Design
This cohort-based model includes two levels of mentorship:

  • Instructional Mentors: Experienced administrators who lead face-to-face and virtual sessions based on a shared agenda. They facilitate discussion, monitor progress, support challenges shared via WhatsApp, and help mentees grow through real-time guidance.

  • Support Mentors: Seasoned leaders who offer one-on-one guidance to mentees, especially those navigating tough circumstances. These mentors may check in regularly, offer additional support, and even visit mentees' schools when needed.

How It Works
Instructional Modality: Mentorship is delivered through a mix of in-person meetings (held alongside NDCEL conferences), Zoom check-ins, and ongoing communication via WhatsApp.

Meeting Frequency

  • Continues throughout the school year with scheduled virtual and in-person sessions

  • Uses case studies and consultancy protocol to address real-time leadership challenges

  • Tentative agendas will be shared in advance, and participants can suggest additional topics

  • Optional small-group virtual check-ins will occur between large-group meetings

Cohort Size & Structure
The program is designed for up to 8 new administrators in their first three years or holding provisional licensure. Participants are grouped into:

  • A larger network based on their association

  • A small, tight-knit cohort with an assigned Instructional Mentor

This dual structure offers both broad connections and deep peer support.

Participant Expectations

  • Attend face-to-face meetings in conjunction with NDCEL events

  • Participate in small-group virtual check-ins with mentors and peers

  • Engage in reflective journaling, sharing insights and experiences to support growth and inform program development