MLDS Mentor Toolbox

One of the hallmarks of the Missouri Leadership Development System is the presence of trained mentors for the Emerging Level 1 and Emerging Level 2 principals. The MLDS mentoring process ensures that each new school leader is provided a range of expereiences and coaching tod evelop the ciritical competencies needed to work with faculty and the community to create a high-performance learning environement.

This webpage is intended specifically for the use by the MLDS Mentor. It is meant to be a one-stop-shop for all necessary mentoring tools and resources.

Missouri Principal Mentoring Is Shifting To Assocations

As part of our continued commitment to ensuring effective leadership in every Missouri school, the mentoring process for new assistant principals and principals is undergoing thoughtful refinement. While the core elements remain—each new leader will still be paired with a specially trained, out-of-district mentor, and mentors will continue to receive a stipend—there are a few updates aimed at enhancing and sustaining the program.

We are excited to announce that several professional organizations are joining this effort, reinforcing Missouri’s already nationally recognized leadership development pipeline. The Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA), the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP), the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MOASSP), along with the Missouri Council of School Administrators (MCSA) will now play a key role in strengthening the mentoring process.

Key Updates to the Mentoring Process:

• New Platform:  All mentors should enroll for an account and apply to be a mentor in the new MCSA Academy platform.

• Mentor Recruitment & Pairing: MLDS Specialists across the state will take the lead in recruiting mentors and making thoughtful mentor/mentee pairings.

• Organizational Support: MASA, MAESP, and MOASSP will assist in identifying qualified mentors throughout Missouri.

• Training & Stipends: These organizations will also provide orientation and training for all mentors and will serve as the fiscal agents for stipend distribution. Attendance of a virtual training session is required to acquire a mentoring contract.

• Mentoring Log: Beginning witht the 2026-2027 school year, all mentoring logs will be kept in the MCSA Academy platform. Second year leaders still have their MLDS log from last year (a Google Sheet). Henceforth, mentors are charged with completion of all logs.

• Looking Ahead: Beyond the 2025–2026 school year, we plan to develop enhanced technological tools to improve connectivity, streamline record keeping, and support more efficient evaluation of the mentoring process.
  
  

We understand that transitions take time, but we believe these updates will ultimately lead to a more streamlined, sustainable, and effective system of support for new school leaders.

If you have questions or need additional information, please reach out to an MLDS Specialist in your region—we’re here to help!