Mentoring That Matters: Research-Informed and Practitioner-Tested Approaches

Mentoring new special educators requires more than compliance. This session highlights practitioner-tested tools—goal setting, case management support, and intentional listening—alongside scalable online models and research on effective matches. Participants will engage in collaborative activities and leave with concrete strategies and action steps to strengthen mentoring and improve teacher retention. Participants will be able to: 1. Apply practitioner-tested strategies, including structured goal-setting for instruction, IEP writing, and case management, as well as intentional listening practices. 2. Develop an individualized action plan to strengthen mentoring programs in their own setting.