Illinois Principals Association

Mentoring & Coaching

School leaders (principals, assistant principals, deans, district office administrators, and department chairs) face unique challenges as they transition into new career roles. A trained mentor provides strategic questioning and opportunities for reflection, feedback and guided planning, and support and motivation to sustain the new leader in ongoing professional development.

Several factors are considered when pairing mentors with proteges, including location, gender, race, school and community context, professional goals, interpersonal styles, and learning needs.

Mentor Services

  • Deliver 20, 40 or 60 hours of mentoring (based on contract): One-on-one sessions (a minimum of three on-site visits in addition to virtual meetings, phone conversations, texts, and emails); Optional collective virtual sessions throughout the year to bring proteges, mentors and thought leaders together to provide networking, discussion, and support.
  • Provide advice and support with decision-making, strategic planning, entry planning, and goal setting.
  • Establish environmental intelligence regarding building, operations, staff, students, parents, community and school culture and environment.
  • Utilize collaborative, instructional, and reflective coaching techniques.

School Leader (Protégé) Benefits

  • Confidential support from a successful, veteran school leader.
  • Improved leadership, reflection, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
  • Enhanced instructional leadership confidence.
  • Advancement of professional values.
  • Eased burden of first year challenges.
  • Development of a professional learning network.
  • Access to Ed Leaders Network (ELN) and ELN Connect for professional learning opportunities and access to a national network of educators.
  • Support from IPA Field Service Specialists as well as Region and Association Leadership.

Apply for mentoring (first-year, first-time lead/head principals — no cost)

First-time, first-year, LEAD/HEAD Illinois public or public charter school principals are eligible for 40 hours of mentoring at no cost for the 2024-2025 school year (subject to annual Illinois legislative appropriation).

Illinois statute does not provide for free mentoring for experienced lead principals or assistant/associate principals; however IPA offers an affordable contract option for these individuals. You can see more details about this option below.

Apply for mentoring (those NOT first-year, first-time lead/head principals)

Mentoring and coaching support is also available for school leaders who are not first-year, first-time lead/head principals, including deans, assistant/associate principals, principals beyond their first year, and directors. This support is offered for an additional fee and available in contract lengths of 20, 40 or 60 hours. This mentoring includes one-on-one support as well as optional collective mentoring sessions.

  • 20 Hours ($1,749, member/$2,629 non-member)
  • 40 Hours ($2,999, member/$4,499 non-member)
  • 60 Hours ($4,249, member/6,374 non-member)