2026 SAIS Annual Conference

Mentoring programs should seek to establish a sense of belonging for new faculty, explore the culture of an independent school, and encourage professional growth. 
Mentoring program components to be discussed include the following:
-Create an onboarding process during orientation which provides the necessary information for a successful start to school.
-Select and train mentors to ensure a positive, individualized experience and establish a common set of expectations for support.
-Design cohort gatherings throughout the first year to deliver relevant information and provide opportunities for conversations among the new faculty which serve to strengthen relationships.
-Facilitate guided classroom visits which allow new faculty to see a variety of teaching and learning environments, while follow-up conversations build connections and emphasize the school’s core values.
-Initiate an intentional second year program to provide additional individualized and ongoing support as faculty discover their role in the school and begin their journey of professional growth.