BEST Tips for Mentors: November2025

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 11/03/2025 04:55 PM PST
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Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST)

 
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What does it take to become a highly trained and qualified BEST mentor? 

BEST Mentor Learning and Development Pathways

 

Upcoming BEST Events

All BEST events can be found here: BEST Events and Trainings 2025-26

You're also welcome to register with the following links.

Foundational Learning

Mentor Academy 101

Mentor Academy 201

Extended Learning

Observation and Feedback

Mentoring School Nurses

Mentoring ESAs

Mentoring Teachers of Special Education

Ongoing Learning: Mentor Roundtables

Learn more about each Roundtable session here: BEST Mentor Roundtable Session Descriptions

Academy event registration will close 48 hours prior to the academy. Please plan ahead and register prior to 48 hours to the event. If registration has closed and you want to get in, please contact us: best@k12.wa.us. We can help! Thank you.

 

BEST Resources

Contact BEST

E: best@k12.wa.us

P: (360) 725-6430

Tips for Mentors
November 2025

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Dear Mentors,

As autumn deepens and the leaves turn brilliant shades of gold and crimson, we’re reminded of the beauty in change and the fleeting nature of each moment. In Japanese culture, the phrase 一期一会 means “one time, one meeting". This concept reminds us to treat each encounter as unique and unrepeatable. The colors you see today, will be different tomorrow. The challenges you and your mentee encounter today also may turn into insights, resilience, and growth with time and reflection. 

This mindset is especially relevant in mentoring, where every coaching conversation is an opportunity to be fully present, to listen without judgment, and to support growth with compassion. This month, we invite you to continue developing listening skills and explore resources that help your mentees see connections between their practice and growth.

 

Focus of the Month

  • Standard: 2a – Positive, Strength-based Mindset
  • Essential Question: How do we support beginning educators through challenges while fostering reflective practices that lead to growth?​

Reading| “Common Obstacles to Deep Listening,” pp. 124-130 | Arise by Elena Aguilar

Reading| The Gaps Framework, pp. 407-416 | Arise by Elena Aguilar 

Podcast| Less Talking More Impact; Episode 182 | Elena Aguilar (10 min podcast) | Bright Morning Podcast 

Join our Mentor Roundtables this month to learn in community!

Sign up here: Mentor On-going Opportunities

BEST Mentor Learning and Development Pathways

Have you wondered what you can do next after attending Mentor Academy 101?

BEST believes in the impact of ongoing learning and is committed to providing ongoing learning and development pathways to support the continuous growth of mentors. If you're curious about how you can become a highly trained BEST mentor, please visit this document to learn about the learning and development pathways as a mentor.

How to use this document:

Find your Mentee's role and look across the row to find your next recommended training. Mentors are encouraged to complete a Foundational Learning Experience every 5 years. Upon completion of the Foundational Learning Experience, Mentors are encouraged to select an ongoing learning experience and then attend an appropriate Extended Learning Experience.

BEST considers a mentor to be highly trained when a mentor:

1. Has two or more years of experience mentoring

2. Has completed a Foundational Learning Experience in the past five years

3. Has completed at least one year of Ongoing Learning and the appropriate Extended Learning Experience in the past five years

 

Meet BEST Mentor Faculty 2025-26

BEST is proud to partner with 23 Mentor Faculty members who bring their expertise, passion, and deep commitment to mentoring into every training session. These are the great minds behind the high-quality content that supports mentors across the state.
If you see a Mentor Faculty member in your district, don’t hesitate to connect with them. They’re a valuable resource and part of your extended mentoring community. 

See BEST Approved Mentor Faculty

BEST Ongoing Mentor Roundtable

As we enter November, BEST will pause our Foundational and Extended Mentor Trainings, but opportunities for connection and growth continue through our Ongoing Mentor Roundtables in November. These Mentor Roundtable sessions are designed to support mentors in deepening their practice and building community.

  • Join BEST Statewide Roundtables
  • Join BEST Asynchronous Roundtable Canvas
    • Sign-up on pdEnroller to be added to the Canvas course
    • Your mentors will have access to Roundtable materials and receive clock hours with participation
  • Attend Your Own Roundtable Locally
    • Some districts host their own Roundtables using BEST Mentor Roundtable content
    • Reach out to your district and attend in-district Mentor Roundtables

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Events fill fast. Sign-up now to secure your spot to learn in community with BEST in the second semester.

Foundational Learning

Mentor Academy 101

Mentor Academy 201

Extended Learning

Observation and Feedback

Mentoring School Nurses

Mentoring ESAs

Mentoring Teachers of Special Education

Registration Open for Future Training Opportunities

BEST will offer more trainings in the new school year. All confirmed events have been published on BEST Events & Trainings. You're invited to register for events you're interested in attending on pdEnroller! 

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