Principal mentorship program proposed to reduce turnover and support novice leaders
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Dr. Jackson described a NAESP principal-mentorship certification she completed and urged the district to recruit mentors and establish county-level mentoring sessions to reduce principal attrition and improve school leadership continuity.
Dr. Jackson presented research and personal experience from a NAESP principal-mentorship and certification program and urged the board to expand mentorship and a principal-pipeline approach to reduce turnover and strengthen leadership.
She cited national attrition figures and research linking mentorship to improved retention and student outcomes, describing a cohort model that includes a two-day immersion, nine months of structured engagement and a culminating project. "When we retain our principals through mentorship, then we do have student achievement gains," she said, summarizing the research evidence and practical benefits.
Dr. Jackson described mentoring activities she undertook with a protege, including monthly coaching, building observations and joint problem-solving. She recommended county-level summer sessions to bring elementary principals together for peer support and suggested the board help spread the word to superintendents and regional partners to attract mentors and funding.
Board discussion focused on cost, recruitment, and the value of external mentors versus internal supervisors. Several members recommended spreading awareness and exploring regional partnerships; Dr. Jackson and trustees flagged outreach to the intermediate unit and doctoral candidates to support evaluation research and program design.
No formal action was taken; trustees encouraged staff to report back on potential next steps for a pilot or county-level collaboration.