Superintendent Mentoring Program
Being a new superintendent can be overwhelming. From juggling day-to-day operations to working with a new board or engaging with the community, the job keeps you moving quickly and often leaves you feeling alone. TASA connects experienced superintendents with first-year superintendents to provide the one-on-one support that helps new superintendents succeed during that challenging first year. The program is also designed to help new superintendents meet State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) requirements for mentorship in the first year (see below). Learn more about the development of the mentoring program.
About the Program
Why Participate?
State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rule (19 TAC Section 242.25) states that all superintendents in the first year of the superintendency and superintendents new to Texas must participate in a one-year mentorship that includes at least 36 hours of professional development and contact with a mentor at least once per month. The mentorship must be completed within 18 months of employment in the superintendency. TASA’s superintendent mentoring program is designed to help new superintendents meet the requirements of the SBEC rule.
How the Program Works
New superintendents can meet the state requirement for 36 hours of professional learning through participation in the TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy. First-year superintendents who participate in TASA’s Superintendent Mentoring Program will meet monthly with their mentors to satisfy the mentoring contact requirement. Mentor superintendents are expected to meet face to face with mentees for at least six of the 12 required monthly contacts; the remaining six contacts may be conducted via phone or email. Upon completion of the program, the new superintendent will send a completed Record of Contact form to their mentor and another copy to TASA, maintaining the original for their records.
How to Secure a Mentor
If you’re a first-time superintendent in need of a mentor, contact Jessica Arceneaux with TASA. If you also need to meet SBEC’s professional learning requirements, register for TASA’s First-Time Superintendents Academy (FTSA).
Requirements to Serve as a Mentor
- certified in Texas as a superintendent
- committed to spending the time needed to be a mentor
- committed to completing the required mentor training
- professionally committed to the Texas public education system
- a current TASA member
Preference is given to TASA members committed to the New Vision for Public Education in Texas who are active in TASA’s Mission: School Transformation-related networking and professional learning.
Mentor Training
The next TASA Superintendent Mentor Training has not been scheduled but will likely be held in spring/summer 2025. Once planned, TASA will share information about it in TASA Daily.
The training focuses on the skills required to build strong, supportive relationships with your mentee, tools for effective coaching, and an overview of competencies addressed during the First-Time Superintendents Academy.
2024-25 Mentor Training Sponsors
CPE Hours
First-time superintendents may earn 36 hours of Continuing Professional Education credit through participation in the TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy.
Questions?
Jessica Arceneaux
Executive Assistant, Member Engagement & Support
512.477.6361
