NCSCA Mentoring Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the mentoring program?
The goal of the NCSCA Mentoring Program is to provide new school counselors with the opportunity to have a meaningful relationship with experienced school counseling professionals. As graduate students and new school counselors transition into the field, mentors will offer:
As a result of the mentor relationship, both mentors and mentees will develop a deeper dedication to the field of professional school counseling.
What is the role of a mentor?
A mentor is an experienced professional school counseling (having at least 3 years of experience). Their role is to coach, guide, nurture and support new counselors as they transition into this field. A mentor provides support, encourages development, offers suggestions and advice on a variety of topics, and shares resources. A mentor also shares experiences and wisdom to help mentees grow personally and professionally.
What is the role of a mentee?
A mentee is a professional school counselor who is in his/her first three years of counseling. The most important characteristic of a mentee is the willingness to commit the time and energy to grow and learn from a mentor. A mentee is devoted to developing skills, enhancing professional networks, and increasing his/her understanding of the role of a school counselor. A mentee should be positive and excited about the mentoring program and put forth the effort required to receive maximum results, ensuring the program is a success.
How much time is needed for mentoring?
The amount of time invested in the mentoring relationship depends solely on the expectations set by both the mentor and mentee. We ask that mentors and mentees be in contact at least twice a month during their time in the mentoring program, however, this can come in the form of face to face meetings, phone calls, or e-mail. We ask that only those who are interested in dedicating the time and effort required to build a solid and effective relationship participate in the program.
What is the process of pairing mentors with mentees?
School counselors interested in participating in the program should fill out an application, which is available online (www.ncschoolcounselor.org) and email or mail the completed form. Participants are then matched on the basis of their responses to questions focusing on school counseling experience and level, background information, expectations of the mentoring relationship, etc. Mentors and mentees will be notified of their pairing via a-mail and mail, at which time they will receive a copy of the mentoring handbook as well as contact information.
Who is responsible for initiating contact?
While the mentoring relationship is considered to be a partnership where both parties contribute equally, we ask that the mentor be responsible for initiating the fist contact. When the mentor receives his/her letter of acceptance, they will receive the name and contact information for the mentee. They will be asked to make contact within the first 3 weeks of school. Initial contact should come in the form of a phone call to the mentee where the mentor and mentee arrange a time to meet and become familiar with each other’s background. It is important to establish and agree upon the goals and expectations of the mentoring relationship in this initial meeting or discussion.
What are suggested mentoring activities?
Mentoring activities may include (but are not limited to) attending professional conferences/development activities together, sharing resources and insights, career path discussions, meeting for coffee/lunch when available, sending motivational/inspirational stories.
How is the success of the mentoring program tracked/evaluated?
Participants in the mentoring program will be asked to complete a mid-year evaluation and a final evaluation. Success of the program will be monitored based on the feedback received from mentors and mentees. Continual improvements and modifications will be made based on suggestions and comments provided by the participants.
How long will the mentoring relationship last?
Although, we only ask mentors and mentees to make a one-year commitment to the NCSCA Mentoring Program, we encourage ongoing communication and support beyond the one-year commitment and throughout their professional career.
Mentor Program Brochure - Available Soon
Mentor Program Application - Available Soon
Mentor Program Evaluations - Available Soon