WLA Mentorship Program--Teacher Librarians 

WLA has a launched a new mentoring program, with the goal of creating a valuable experience for members and building professional relationships and strengthening the profession within Washington. WLA's School Library Division has partnered with ESD 112 to provide both mentor and mentee teacher librarians with 10 clock hours for their participation.  Enroll as a mentee here, or as a mentor here.  Note that mentors must be WLA members with at least 5 years experience as teacher librarians.

Two teal chat bubbles, one with the WLA logo and the other with three horizontal lines indicating conversationBenefits of mentoring:

  • Mentees: Develop your skills, learn from the best, and build professional relationships.  Get support from an experienced Teacher Librarian as you navigate your first year (or two) in the library!
  • Mentors: Help develop future leaders, grow your leadership skills, and contribute to the profession.  You will gain as much as you give from this experience!
  • Learn from others’ perspectives and experiences through our monthly cohort meetings.
  • Earn up to 10 clock hours (teacher librarians only).

Mentee Application

If you are interested in becoming a mentee, please fill out the application by August 11, 2021.  Apply here!  If you miss the application deadline but would still like to join the program, please contact Sarah Logan.

You will be sent a link to join our course through ESD 112.

Mentor Application

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill out the application to be added to the mentor pool. If you are matched with a mentee, we will contact you. Apply here!

You will be sent a link to join our course through ESD 112.


Mentor Orientation (this information will be part of our August session)

 
Documents for Mentors (part of our August session)

 Timeline for Mentorship Program

  • June 1 – Call for Mentors via WLA - Apply here! 
  • August 1 – Applications welcomed from Mentees
  • August 11 – Deadline for Mentee and Mentor applications
  • August 12– First session, mentor/mentees matched up!
  • August-May – Mentorship meetings (session dates below)
  • May – Evaluation and Feedback

FAQs

What is the time commitment?

Mentors and mentees will be expected to participate in 5 synchronous Zoom meetings on the following Thursdays: 

  • August 12, 2021, 3-5 p.m.
  • October 7, 2021, 4-5 p.m.
  • January 20, 2021, 4-5 p.m.
  • March 24, 2021, 4-5 p.m.
  • May 12, 2021, 4-5 p.m.

In addition, each mentor/mentee is expected to meet monthly from August-May (no meeting expectation in December) for at least 30 minutes at time(s) that are mutually agreeable.  Those meetings can be over the phone, in Zoom, or (depending on geography) in person.  All mentors/mentees will have the opportunity to get together at an "after dark" session at #WLA2021.

Who can participate?

Any WLA member* can request a mentor during the open application period.  Teacher Librarian mentors must be WLA members with at least 5 years of experience working as a teacher librarian.

*Teacher-Librarian mentees are not required to be WLA members at the beginning of this program.

When is the open application period?

The mentor pool is open for applications June 1-August 11, 2021. Mentees may apply August 1-11, 2021.  If you are a potential mentor or mentee who missed the deadline, please contact Sarah Logan.

How are mentors and mentees matched up?

WLA will use the information you provide in your application, including your goals and experience, to find a match that will be mutually beneficial.

What if my mentor and I aren’t a good fit?

Rarely, the mentoring match doesn’t work out. If this happens, the best way to approach it is to first address the issue with the mentor/mentee. If this does not resolve the problem, contact the WLA Office and we will help to resolve the problem.