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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
- Jan. 14, 16, 8-3pm (online)
- Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 4-7pm (online)
- Jan. 27, 29, 8-3pm (online)
- Feb. 23, 25, 8-3pm (online)
- May 16, 23, 8-3pm (online)
- Jun. 16, 18, 8-3pm (online)
- Jun. 23, 25, 8-3p (online)
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
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Tips for Mentors
January
Dear Mentors,
As we enter 2026, it may not feel like a true new year for educators. We’re still in the middle of the school year, just beginning the second half of our ongoing ride. 2026 is the Year of Horse for some Asian cultures. The horse reminds us that renewal doesn’t require a brand-new trail, only the willingness to keep moving with purpose.
Even without a fresh start, we meet each student and mentee with our best. New perspectives and new growth can emerge at any time, often in the small, steady strides we take each day.
May this season inspire us to carry the horse’s confidence, endurance, and forward motion, trusting that meaningful progress can happen wherever we are on the path.
Join us in our Roundtables to learn about how to support your mentees at this midyear point, and how to center equitable instructional practices for students.
Focus of the Month
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Standard: 4 – Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
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Essential Question: How do we help educators transition from survival mode to focusing on equitable instructional practices that impact student learning?
Reading| From Goal Setting to Goal Getting| Teaching Channel
Reading| Mid-Year Reflection_ Setting PD Goals| Edutopia
Resource List| Culturally Responsive Instruction: Resource List | Colorín Colorado
Join our Mentor Roundtables this month to learn in community!
Upcoming Training Opportunities
BEST has resumed our events after the winter break. 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
- Full! Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 4-7pm (online)
- Full! Jan. 14, 16, 8-3pm (online)
- Full! Jan. 27, 29, 8-3pm (online)
- Feb. 23, 25, 8-3pm (online)
- May 16, 23, 8-3pm (online)
Mentor Academy 201
Extended Learning
Observation and Feedback
Mentoring School Nurses
Mentoring ESAs
Mentoring Teachers of Special Education
Save the Date: BEST Grantee Convening
March 17, 2026
0830-1230
If you're a BEST grantee or a mentor, you're welcome to join our convening to be in BEST community and learn about promising practices in our State.
Stay tuned for more information!
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
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ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.
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