Field Mentor Training Program Aligned with NELP Standards

Introduction

Wilmington University (WilmU) has established a comprehensive training program for field mentors who guide aspiring educational leaders. This program is meticulously aligned with the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards, ensuring that our mentors are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively support candidates in their leadership development journey. Below are the key components of the mentor training program, including the orientation, online modules, and ongoing faculty collaboration.

Initial Orientation with WilmU Faculty

Before engaging in the structured training modules, all prospective mentors participate in an in-person or virtual orientation session with WilmU faculty. This session serves as an introduction to the NELP standards and the expectations for mentorship within our leadership programs. During the orientation, mentors are provided with an overview of the program, detailed guidance on their roles and responsibilities, and an introduction to the tools and resources they will be using throughout the mentoring process.

The orientation also offers an opportunity for mentors to ask questions and engage in discussions with faculty members, ensuring they have a clear understanding of the program’s objectives and their critical role in fostering the development of future educational leaders.

Completion of Online Training Modules

Following the orientation, mentors are required to complete a series of online modules designed to deepen their understanding of the NELP standards and enhance their mentorship skills. These modules must be completed before mentors can officially begin their mentoring duties.

The online modules cover several key areas:

• Understanding the NELP Standards: This module provides an in-depth exploration of the NELP standards, focusing on how these standards guide leadership preparation programs. Mentors receive training on the seven core standards and the additional standard related to internships, with interactive elements that reinforce their understanding.

• Developing Mentorship Skills: A critical module dedicated to building effective mentorship skills, including communication, feedback, and modeling. Mentors engage in scenario-based learning, practicing the delivery of constructive feedback aligned with the NELP standards. This module emphasizes the nine key leadership practices: developing, implementing, evaluating, collaborating, communicating, modeling, reflecting, advocating, and cultivating.

• Curriculum and Assessment Alignment: This module trains mentors on how to align their mentorship practices with the program’s curriculum and assessments. Mentors learn to understand how the curriculum supports the NELP standards and how to assist candidates in meeting these standards through their field experiences. Practical exercises are included to help mentors review and interpret assessment data effectively.

• Field-Based Experience Integration: Mentors are guided on how to integrate fieldbased experiences with the theoretical knowledge that candidates acquire in their coursework. This module helps mentors create meaningful connections between course content and real-world leadership challenges, facilitating reflective practice among candidates.

• Continuous Improvement and Feedback: The final module focuses on using formative assessment techniques to provide ongoing feedback to candidates. Mentors learn to document their observations and the progress of their mentees, contributing to the comprehensive evaluation of the candidates’ readiness for leadership roles.

Requirement for Module Completion

To ensure consistency and quality in mentorship, it is mandatory for all mentors to complete the online modules before they can begin their mentoring responsibilities. This requirement guarantees that every mentor is fully prepared and aligned with the NELP standards and WilmU’s expectations.

Ongoing Collaboration and Support

After completing the modules, mentors continue to collaborate with WilmU faculty throughout the mentoring process. Regular meetings and check-ins are scheduled to discuss mentee progress, address any challenges, and ensure that the mentoring provided aligns with both the NELP standards and the specific goals of WilmU’s leadership programs.

Conclusion

The WilmU Field Mentor Training Program is a carefully structured initiative that aligns with the NELP standards to ensure that our mentors are well-prepared to guide aspiring leaders. Through an initial orientation, a series of comprehensive online modules, and ongoing collaboration with faculty, our mentors are equipped to support the development of effective educational leaders who are capable of making a positive impact on student outcomes and fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments.