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Contributed Talk

Professional Development and Staff Support

Rooted in Relationships: Mentorship as the Foundation for New Teacher Success

SESSION DATES & TIMES COMING IN AUGUST 2026
Audience Classification: Hybrid Learning
Audience Expertise: Strategic Growth - Experienced leaders focused on optimizing established programs and solving persistent challenges.
Grade Level Focus: Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools
Primary Audience: Teacher, Prof Dev
Does this session focus on a specific product? No – This session is focused on ideas, strategies, or practices, not a specific product or service.
Abstract Description : New teachers need more than encouragement—they need mentors who are equipped to guide them through the joys and challenges of teaching.
Michigan Virtual has taken a deliberate approach to supporting mentors of new teachers—not only within our own organization but in schools and districts across the state. This session will share our story about how we equip mentors of new teachers with guidance and learning to help them thrive in their roles and help their mentees flourish.
Join us for an honest, hopeful conversation that will give you practical strategies and research-based insights for building and supporting effective mentoring programs.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the current challenges and opportunities that mentors of new teachers experience, using research and real-world observations.
  • Learn how we develop strong mentorship by designing intentional support systems for its own teachers and providing professional development to those supporting new teachers across the state.