School Mentor Program

With EL Education’s acclaimed Credential Program, more than 50 schools have been recognized for excellence and equity in their implementation of the EL Education Core Practices and Three Dimensions of Student Achievement.

The School Mentor Program – as a key component of EL Education’s Credential Program – amplifies the genius of Credentialed schools, creating space for school partners to share actionable insight and accelerate continuous improvement.

EL Education’s School Mentor Program: 

  • Matches school leaders with experienced mentors based on specific strengths and needs of each school.

  • Asks both mentor and mentee to commit to meeting every four to six weeks over the course of a two-year term.

  • Offers structure, support, and accountability for both mentor and mentee to grow their leadership practice.

  • Hosts a full-day Mentor Institute at CSLI (July) and mentor program sessions at National Conference (Nov/Dec).

  • Facilitates ongoing deep-dive sessions hosted by mentor schools open to all EL Education partners.

The 2023-25 Mentor Cohort launched their partnership in summer of 2023.

Credentialed leaders interested in becoming mentors should keep an eye out for the next application process in spring 2024.

School leaders new to EL Education or to leadership who are interested in working with a mentor should speak with their Regional Director.

In partnership, mentors move across the spectrum of coaching to consultation, helping school leaders leverage strengths to reach Credential-level impact.

2023-25 Mentor Leaders

  • Trent Barnhart, Harborside Academy

  • Laina Cox, Capital City Charter School

  • David Gundale, Open World Learning

  • Jocelyn Hardy Smith, Arbor-Vitae Woodruff

  • Josh Laplante, The Green School

  • David Manahan, Sierra Expeditionary Learning School (SELS)

  • Kathryn Martinez, The Odyssey School

  • Damon McCord, Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School (MELS)

  • Tina Meglich, Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning

  • Hillary Mills, Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School (MELS)

  • Michelle Navarre, Polaris

  • Lindsay Starnes, Clifton Hills Elementary

  • Kristin Weidmaier Collins, William Smith High School

“EL Education’s School Mentor Program strengthens partner schools by facilitating active collaboration, thoughtful engagement, and effective implementation of the EL Education model, in a community of learners focused on impact for students and continuous improvement for equity.”

PROGRAM COMMITMENTS

    • Share your hard-earned expertise while deepening your network and connection to EL Education

    • Share wisdom and learn together at the EL National Conference and Mentor Institute

    • Build recognition as a national leader

    • Contribute your time and some financial support for travel expenses/site visits

    • Earn a reduced compensation package and additional slots at EL Education events

    • Work in concert with EL Education to support the development of another school

    To be eligible, mentors lead a Credentialed EL Education school and have deep experience with change leadership and the EL Education model. For detailed info on eligibility and program commitments, click here..

    • Connect with and learn from schools facing similar challenges

    • Collect and enact new ideas for school improvement and implementation of the EL Education Core Practices

    • Engage in professional learning opportunities that address stated and data-informed needs

    • Contribute your time and some financial support for travel expenses/site visits

    • Commit to working towards Credential-level impact in the Three Dimensions of Student Achievement

    To be eligible, mentees must have a standing partnership with EL Education and a desire to collaborate with an experienced leader for continuous improvement. Click here for eligibility and commitment details.

School Mentor Program learning opportunities will be held throughout the year and may include:

  • Once/annual visits between mentor and mentee schools (strongly recommended)

  • Strengths-based site visits or workshops at mentor schools 

  • Mentor/mentee engagement opportunities at existing site seminars

  • Ongoing (quarterly) mentor Crew convenings

  • School Mentor Program reception at EL National Conference

  • Masterclass hosted by mentor schools at EL National Conference

  • Regional Leadership Cohorts

Resources

This living collection of resources is maintained by and for EL Education mentors. Mentors can access and contribute to the full resource collection here.