Mentoring for First Time Principals
Who can participate?
The program is open to every first-time principal.
For the purposes of this program ‘first-time principal’ includes: those appointed to a principal position for the first time; acting principals who will be acting in the role for longer than a school term; all principals appointed from outside the Victorian Government school system; and principals returning to the principal role after more than 5 years out of the principal position.
What will I learn?
The Mentoring for First Time Principals program is designed to support first-time principals to successfully transition into the principal role, and to further develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions they need to lift the quality of teaching and learning in their school. Participants will benefit from individual mentoring with an experienced practitioner, and group mentoring where they can learn with a peer group offering multiple perspectives and a diversity of ideas.
The program aims to:
- further develop participants’ understanding of the leadership capabilities that school leaders require to create and sustain effective learning environments;
- further develop participants’ ability to sustain their own and others’ well being, focusing in particular on the capabilities of ‘developing relationships’, and ‘developing and managing self’;
- ensure a learning focus for each mentoring relationship that draws on the Developmental Learning Framework for School Leaders and addresses learning needs identified through the use of the iLead 360° survey; and
- ensure high quality mentoring by providing support and guidance to mentors, and by monitoring the mentoring relationship.
What is expected of me?
First time principals are expected to:
- participate fully in individual and group mentoring sessions, including actively offering support to other first time principals in the group;
- maintain a mentoring journal;
- attend and actively participate in any induction sessions, forums, or workshops organised as part of the program;
- engage in the program’s online environment, including any online discussion forums.
Mentors are expected to:
- commit to a minimum number of hours of mentoring for each first-time principal;
- attend any sessions for refresher training, program orientation, and knowledge sharing organised as part of the program;
- engage in the program’s online environment, including any online discussion forums.
What assistance is provided?
All workshop costs including program materials and meals are covered. Where necessary, accommodation will be provided for participants who have travelled more than two hours to attend the program, and in other special circumstances. CRT for workshops and travel costs are not covered.
How do I become involved?
First time principals will be invited to participate at the start of the first term in their new role. A new group commences each term to ensure participation by first-time principals early in their principalship.
In order to act as a mentor in this program, mentors need to have been previously trained, undertaking mentor training, or have mentoring experience and be recognised as an effective mentor. To express interest in being a mentor in this program, contact your Regional Office.
Key dates
To be advised
Who do I contact for further information?
For further information about this program please contact Jane Hendry (bastow@edumail.vic.gov.au), Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership on 9637 3909 or your Leadership Officer at your Regional Office.