Technology Leader Mentor Program
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Thank you for applying to participate in Technology Leader Mentoring!
Mentoring Program for New Technology Leaders in K12 School Districts
New technology leaders in K12 school districts, such as technology directors and CTOs/CIOs, face unique challenges as they transition into their roles. These challenges include leadership and vision, strategic planning, managing technology resources, and maintaining data privacy and security. A mentor can provide invaluable support through strategic questioning, opportunities for reflection, constructive feedback, guided planning, and the motivation necessary for sustained professional development.
The Program
This mentoring program integrates the essential skills for K12 technology leaders, including leadership and vision, strategic planning, managing technology resources, and maintaining data privacy and security.
- Contract Options: 15, 20 or 40 hours of mentoring.
- One-on-One Sessions: A minimum of one on-site visit in addition to virtual meetings, phone conversations, texts, and emails with a veteran K12 technology leader.
- Collective Virtual Sessions: Optional group sessions throughout the year to facilitate networking, discussion, and support among proteges, mentors, and thought leaders.
- Decision-Making and Planning Support: Guidance on strategic planning, entry planning, and goal setting.
Benefits
Support from experienced leaders.
Gain confidence, skills, and learning opportunities to succeed in your role and make a positive impact in your school districts.
- Confidential Support: Access to advice from a successful, experienced technology leader.
- Skill Enhancement: Improved leadership, reflection, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
- Confidence Building: Enhanced confidence in technology and K12 leadership.
- First-Year Challenges: Reduced burden of initial challenges.
- Professional Learning Network: Development of a professional learning network.
- Professional Learning Opportunities: Access to the LTC Community for ongoing professional learning and connection with a state network of leaders.
Join the Program
Take the next step and join the program.
Option 1: First-Year, First-Time Technology Leaders
The LTC offers Illinois new public school technology leaders up to 15 hours of mentoring during the 2024-2025 school year.
- 15 Hours ($0) * Applications for free mentorships are closed for the 2024-2025 school year. We accepted 17 applicants in this program.
- 20 Hours ($1,250)
- 40 Hours ($2,500)
Option 2: Existing Technology Leaders
Mentoring and coaching support is also available for technology leaders who are not first-year, first-time technology directors and CTOs/CIOs. This support is offered for an additional fee and available in contract lengths of 20 or 40 hours. This mentoring includes one-on-one support as well as optional collective mentoring sessions.
- 20 Hours ($1,250)
- 40 Hours ($2,500)
Become a Mentor
Learn and grow through leading.
Serving as a mentor or coach for another technology leader is a rewarding experience. LTC mentors and coaches receive in-depth training and continuous support to maximize their success supporting others.
Qualifications
- Desire to help a new technology leader navigate early years on the job
- Effective interpersonal communication skills
- Passion for leadership and the role of learning leaders leading their learning organizations
- Minimum of three years of related experience for the technology leader(s) you will mentor/coach
Responsibilities
- Attend initial and on-going training while serving as a mentor/coach
- Provide virtual coaching to mentees per the agreed upon number of hours.
- Visit the mentee onsite once per year.
Mentor/Coach benefits
- Personal reflection, evaluation, and gratification
- Ongoing professional development
- Expanded relationships with key stakeholders
- Compensation of $50/hour. Mileage for the 1 site visit/year is reimbursed.