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Role of a Mentee

First, we want to say "Congratulations!" Whether this is your first role as an administrator or you're bringing administrative experience to a new position, you've made the commitment to use your skills and passion to make a difference in PK-12 education.

By committing to this year-long mentoring program, you will receive support from a mentor whose role, responsibilities, school demographics, and location are similar to your own.  

Mentee Testimonials

Make the Most of Your Mentee Experience

To maximize the benefits of the program and satisfy requirements outlined under § chapter 284A.5, make plans with your mentor to:

  • attend statewide meetings together;
  • participate in weekly conversations;
  • meet face-to-face (or virtually) each month to allow for extended conversation and reflection; and
  • visit each other's schools at least once throughout the year;

Additionally, we encourage you to reach out to your mentor any time you need guidance or have questions, and make participation in the program a priority!

Steps to Enroll
FAQs
SAI is responsible for identifying a mentor for the new administrator. We match mentees with mentors who share similar experiences in role, district or building size, location, and more — ensuring meaningful connections and valuable guidance.
We consider specific requests, but please understand that we may not accommodate in all instances due to the various factors involved in our matching process.
In alignment with best practice, mentors will generally be practicing administrators from outside the district. We encourage an informal mentor within the district to support the new leader in learning internal processes and protocols. 
SAI will email mentees regarding their assigned mentor. In addition, mentors will be encouraged to get in touch with the new administrator as soon as possible.
  1. Confirm that you have an agreement with SAI on file. If not, sign and submit this agreement to SAI.
  2. Register yourself for the program. Early enrollment enables the mentor matching process to begin as soon as possible. 
The district pays $500 to SAI for each new administrator participating in the program. The fee underwrites expenses associated with the identified components of the program. 

Contact Dana Schon or Amy Swanson if the relationship with your mentor is not meeting your needs or these expectations. 
Steps to Enroll