The OSPA Early Career Committee has developed a mentorship program for school psychologists who are members of OSPA. Mentors will convey an understanding of career options and outcomes; assist the mentees in identifying individual needs and goals; and support mentees' career development. Mentees will explore their own strengths, needs, and career goals; share hopes, needs, and expectations; and seek constructive feedback.
Requirements for being a mentor include:
Full year commitment
OSPA Member
- Electronic correspondence as needed
- Flexibility in phone conferencing or virtual meeting
- Monthly check-in meetings
- Completion of a feedback survey at the end of the school year
-
Mentor Roles/Expectations
- Convey an understanding of career options and outcomes;
- Assist the mentee in identifying individual needs and goals;
- Support the mentee’s career development;
- Communicate with the mentee on a regular basis during the mentorship period. If possible, one meeting per month is recommended, of at least one half hour in duration. This may be supplemented by phone calls and emails. In the case of geographic separation of the mentor and mentee, communication only by phone and email is acceptable.
Mentee Roles/Needs
- Take responsibility for own personal and professional development;
- Initiate conversations and organize meetings with the mentor;
- Explore own strengths, development needs and career goals;
- Share hopes, needs and expectations;
- Seek constructive feedback;
- Have an open frame of mind;
- Accept new challenges
- Respect the other commitments of the mentor (i.e., working around the mentor’s
schedule)
- Respect confidentiality of the mentor
- Communicate your circumstances clearly, concisely and honestly
- Question where you do not fully understand or comprehend
- Accept differing perspectives
- Accept support and encouragement
- Provide your own experience to aid discussions
- ‘Own’ the relationship and make decisions – when the relationship is established – guide the mentor on the direction you wish to take. Seek and act on feedback from them as the two of you develop the conversation
As School Psychologists, we can all relate to our early career experience and how it was filled with uncertainties, driven by questions, and guided by talented seasoned professionals. We hope that you will reflect back on your early career and recognize the importance of sharing your expertise with our younger generation of professionals.
