Why Mentoring for New Assistant Superintendents?
Rationale
Every school district is required to provide a mentoring and induction program for new administrators as outlined by the licensure regulations {603 CMR 7.13}. The regulations outline that the induction time must be allocated for new administrators to engage in professional conversations on learning and teaching, as well as building leadership within the school community. In addition to state regulations, the purpose of the M.A.S.S. Assistant Superintendent Mentor Program is to ensure that all Assistant Superintendents (including individuals who perform the duties commonly assigned to Assistant Superintendents, such as Directors of Teaching & Learning, etc.) begin their first years with effective support to develop skills in strategic leadership, reflective practice, and developing strong relationships. Our mission is to maximize the potential of each new assistant superintendent to become an integral member of the school community and leadership team.
Program Overview
The program begins in the summer and continues through the end of the school year in June. The mentor meets with the assistant superintendent regularly, in- person and remotely. Additionally, through consistent communication, the mentor assists the assistant superintendent in the following areas:
Creating and implementing an entry plan
Engaging with teachers and staff in support of teaching and learning
Addressing topics of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Embracing M.A.S.S. REDI (Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Strategy
Planning purposeful meetings and observations of practice
Creating strong professional development programming
Connecting with professional networks and organizations
Writing and supervising federal grant implementation
Communicating to stakeholders effectively
Collaborating on effective practices in curriculum, instruction, assessment, human resources, and pupil services
Understanding federal, state, and local mandates
Developing collaborative relationships with the superintendent and leadership team
Reflecting on leadership practice and consulting on leadership dilemmas
Relationship to ASLS (Assistant Superintendent Leadership Seminars):
The Mentor Program is designed to complement ASLS, which focuses on general topics of effective leadership in a seminar format. In contrast, the Mentor Program provides 1-1 support specific to each new assistant superintendent’s needs and context.
Additional Information
Matching
The Mentor Co-Leaders facilitate an appropriate pairing with a qualified mentor who has been specially trained to support the assistant superintendent in their first years of district leadership.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is at the foundation of a successful mentoring relationship and essential for fostering safety and trust. Therefore, all conversations between the mentor and new assistant superintendent will remain confidential.
Year 6 of the Program: The program is entering its sixth year. We focus on Assistant Superintendents whose primary responsibilities involve one or more of the following: Curriculum and Instruction, Student Support, and Human Resources.
Costs
The cost to participate in the M.A.S.S. Assistant Superintendent Mentor Program is $2,500 for a full-year ($1250 for half-year).
Registration for 2025-2026