Apply to be a Mentor

To apply to be a mentor, complete the online application and email your resume to janice@ilprincipals.org. Mentors are generally compensated $2,000 for delivering 40 hours of service in a 12-month window (includes on-site, virtual, email, and telephone support).

Qualifications to Become an IPA Mentor:

• Desire to help a new school leader (dean, assistant/associate principal, lead/ head principal) navigate their early years on the job.
• Possess effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Convey a passion for leadership and the role of learning leaders leading their learning organizations.
• Have experience analyzing student data for equity and achievement,building professional learning communities, growing staff talent, and aligning professional development and instructional programs toward student success.
• Hold or have held an Illinois principal license.
• Have a minimum of 3 years of related experience for the school leader(s) you will mentor.

How will I know if I am approved?

References will be contacted, and applications reviewed by the IPA Coaching and Mentoring team. Individuals approved to be added to our list are notified of their eligibility via email generally within two to four weeks.

Am I guaranteed a contract?

As an approved IPA mentor, you are not guaranteed a contract. The demand for mentors varies from year to year. We match requests for mentors to proteges based on several factors including school type (rural, suburban, or urban), leadership skills and experience, as well as geography. We attempt to make the best matches possible to maximize the benefit to the protege.

What happens if I am a match for a protege?

You will be contacted by an IPA Field Service Specialist if we have a potential match for you. You will receive background information about your potential protege. If the match is agreeable, you will be asked to sign a contract to deliver services. At the same time, your protege will sign an agreement of understanding and the protege’s school district will agree to the service as well.

How much do I earn as a mentor?

Most mentoring contracts are written for 40 hours of service during a 12-month window of time. We compensate our mentors $2,000 for delivering 40 hours of service. Service delivery includes on-site, virtual, email, and telephone support.

What training will I receive?

New IPA mentors are required to complete 10 hours of training. The bulk of that training will occur at the start of the contract and will be a mix of virtual and in-person sessions. Training will continue throughout the school year in a virtual format. Approved mentors also are encouraged to participate in an ongoing professional learning network for IPA coaches and mentors. Each year mentors will complete an information form so our records remain accurate.