National Mentor Training and Certification Program™

Professional learning created for principals and administrators to strengthen their leadership skills in order to provide support and guidance to the next generation of school leaders.

Program Overview

The National Mentor Training and Certification Program™ curriculum is strategically aligned to the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL). The 2019 edition of Leading Learning Communities: Pillars, Practices, and Priorities for Effective Principals serves as the guiding framework alongside NAESP’s mentor competencies.

Participants are awarded the National Mentor Certification upon successful completion of both parts of the program. The National Mentor Certification is valid for a period of 3 years and can be renewed through participation at a one-day recertification training session. 

National Mentor Certification fulfills Bethel University, St. Paul, MN requirements for EDUC802 Leadership Evolution, three doctoral-level semester credits. Participants who wish to earn the graduate credits at zero tuition cost can apply to Bethel online to be a non-degree seeking, individual course student. There is a one-time $200 transcription fee. More information about Bethel’s Doctor of Education: Leadership in K-12 Administration program can be located at this website.

This 2-day event (available virtually or face-to-face) provides the foundational knowledge for the mentor program. Participants receive 15 professional development hours upon completion of the LII. Please note, participation requires completion of a pre-requisite activity, the Top 5 CliftonStrengths assessment, which should be purchased from Gallup.

Training modules include:

  • Mentoring Principals to Lead Learning Communities
  • Build Culture: Creating Schools That are Great Places to Teach and Learn
  • Empower People: Leading Learning to Bring Out the Best in Teachers and Students
  • Optimize Systems: Ensuring School Operations, Processes and Contexts Support Effective Teaching and Learning

Upon completion of the LII, participants who choose to pursue National Mentor Certification transition into a nine-month virtual Mentor-in-Training (MIT) internship cohort led by a trained, certified NAESP coach. MITs will work with their chosen protégés throughout the internship while engaging in monthly meetings with their cohort and coach to deepen their mentoring skills, discuss strategies, and review lessons learned. Internship requirements include:

  • 72 total contact hours with chosen protégé (virtual and/or face-to-face)
  • 9 Monthly virtual cohort meetings and reflection assignments
  • Final culminating project

National Mentor Certification fulfills Bethel University, St. Paul, MN requirements for EDUC802 Leadership Evolution, three doctoral-level semester credits. Participants who wish to earn the graduate credits at zero tuition cost can apply to Bethel online to be a non-degree seeking, individual course student. There is a one-time $200 transcription fee. More information about Bethel’s Doctor of Education: Leadership in K-12 Administration program can be located at this website.

Program Fees

2 day training only, no certification
  • Early Bird Rate (On or before 1 month from start of event)
    • NAESP Members: $699
    • Non-Members: $949
  • Regular Rate (Less than 1 month from start of event)
    • NAESP Members: $799
    • Non-Members: $1,049

2 day training with 9 month certification internship
  • Early Bird Rate (On or before 1 month from start of event)
    • NAESP Members: $1,299
    • Non-Members: $1,599
  • Regular Rate (Less than 1 month from start of event)
    • NAESP Members: $1,399
    • Non-Members: $1,699

Three hour training
  • Early Bird Rate (On or before 1 month from start of event)
    • NAESP Members: $200
    • Non-Members: $300
  • Regular Rate (Less than 1 month from start of event)
    • NAESP Members: $275
    • Non-Members: $375

Contract with NAESP

NAESP can contract with school districts, states, and local LEAs to deliver private training, certification, and recertification opportunities. For more information, please contact Katie Earley at kearley@naesp.org or 703-518-6264.

Upcoming Trainings

All Leadership Immersion Institute Mentor Training and Mentor Recertification Training sessions will take place virtually. To register for a training, please click on the appropriate link below. Please note that the online registration system will only accept credit card payments; to pay by check, purchase order, or to register a group/team, please contact kearley@naesp.org.

Leadership Immersion Institute Mentor Training

Participation requires completion of a pre-requisite activity, the Top 5 CliftonStrengths assessment, which should be purchased from Gallup. Complete the assessment in advance so that you come to the training with an understanding of your results.

  • November 15-16, 2023 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ET | Registration is closed. Training is at maximum capacity.
  • February 7-8, 2024 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ET
  • May 8-9, 2024 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ET

Mentor Recertification Training

  • October 19, 2023 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ET | Registration is closed. Training is at maximum capacity.
  • October 19, 2023 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET
  • March 21, 2024 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ET
  • March 21, 2024 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET

Mentor Resources