The Wiley International Handbook of Mentoring

21National Principal Mentor Program

Carol A. Riley

National Association of Elementary School Principals, Alexandria, VA, USA

Purpose of Principal Mentorship

Educators are well aware of the growing shortage of qualified effective candidates for principal positions and the challenge of retaining highly experienced principals in the field. In addition, federal and state legislative mandates are placing greater burdens of accountability on schools and directing the introduction and use of mentors for principals. The job of the principal is challenging, as well as highly rewarding, and support systems must be in place for school leaders to succeed. New principals, more than ever, feel the pressure of leading the change process, further developing a successful school, or transforming a failing school. Often they approach their critical roles and responsibilities through a different lens than an experienced principal and must be capable of continuously assessing their school's growth. A highly structured professional development platform, which integrates a mentor program, can make the critical difference in sustainability of skilled leaders. The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is committed to promoting excellence in instructional leadership and management, as evidenced by NAESP's Leading learning communities: Standards for what principals should know and be able to do (National Association of Elementary School Principals, 2008), and a programmatic focus ...