What is mentorship?
Mentorship is a nonevaluative, learning-focused relationship in which colleagues work together to reflect, collaborate and grow as professionals.
Like a lighthouse, an experienced mentor illuminates the path ahead as the boat navigates the waters.
How can an ATA mentorship program help?
If you’re new to your role as a teacher or school leader—or just new to the province—a mentor can guide your journey through the school year.
ATA mentorship programs are designated to support teachers and school leaders as they navigate the early years of their new role.
According to research conducted by the ATA, mentorship was among the most valued supports beginning teachers received during their first five years.
Starting a beginning teacher or school leadership mentorship program? The ATA can help!
- Start-up funding to establish a mentorship steering committee
- Workshops for beginning teachers, mentors and school leaders
- Program supports for your mentorship steering committee
- Support from bilingual executive staff officers
Contact pd@ata.ab.ca to get started.
Online support for beginning teachersThe Beginning Teacher Network supports Alberta teachers who are new to the profession or the province. There are two ways to attend free virtual sessions, facilitated by experienced teachers, focused on topics relevant to your beginning teacher context: Cohort groups get release time to attend sessions during the school day four times per year (at no cost to your school). Open sessions take place after school, and are open to all beginning teachers in Alberta. Choose a session that fits your interest, or attend them all! Also check out the Professional Development Sched site to choose your sessions. |
Do you want to learn more about mentorship best practice?
The ATA provides professional learning supports to help mentors build their own mentorship skills.
- Workshops for mentors
- Support from bilingual executive staff officers
To request a workshop or discuss mentorship program supports, e-mail pd@ata.ab.ca.
Do you want to start a beginning teacher or school leadership mentorship program?
There are many ways to support mentorship, whether your program is formal or informal.
The ATA can help. E-mail pd@ata.ab.ca.
Do you need start-up funding for your mentorship program?
Apply for a grant! For more information, see the Beginning Teacher Mentorship Steering Committee Grant application form or the School Leadership Mentorship Steering Committee Grant application form.
Sample timeline for a formal mentorship program
| April–May | Establish a mentorship steering committee that includes representation from your ATA local, your school district and the provincial Association. |
|---|---|
| May–June | The mentorship steering committee plans the mentorship program. |
| June–September | Identify beginning teachers or new school leaders and mentors for the program. |
October–May Beginning Teachers | Mentors and beginning teachers participate in the following: October—Mentorship Workshop 1 (facilitated by an ATA staff officer) |
October–May School Leaders | Mentors and new school leaders participate in programming that includes a minimum of 2 workshops from the Association menu below. |
| May | Engage in program evaluation, wrap-up and celebration activities. Apply for start-up grant funding (Beginning Teacher or School Leadership) to cover mentorship steering committee expenses accrued over the year (application due June 30). |
| Ongoing | The mentorship steering committee meets as needed. |