FROM MENTORING TO MEMBERSHIP
Building Mentoring Programs that Strengthen Educators, Locals, and Membership
From Mentoring to Membership is a one-day interactive workshop designed to give local leaders the tools to develop, strengthen, and advocate for effective mentoring programs in their own districts.
Participants will walk through the process of building a mentoring program from the ground up, including identifying local needs, developing a program structure, recruiting and supporting mentors, and creating a plan that works for both new educators and the local.
The workshop will also take a practical look at contract language related to mentoring, including provisions locals may want to consider when negotiating or strengthening a mentoring program. Participants will explore strategies for making the case to district leadership, building administrative support, and presenting mentoring as an investment in educator success, retention, and school culture.
Just as importantly, we will examine the connection between mentoring and membership. When new educators feel supported, connected, and valued early in their careers, mentoring can become an important pathway to engagement in the local and a stronger sense of professional community.
Participants will leave with practical tools, sample ideas, and a framework they can take back to their local to begin the conversation—or take an existing mentoring program to the next level.
Workshop Details
Saturday, November 7, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Illinois Education Association – Naperville Office
Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Whether your local already has a mentoring program, is looking to strengthen one, or is starting from scratch, this workshop will give you practical strategies you can put to work right away.