Mentorship is a powerful tool in education, especially for early-career teachers working with students with autism in high-need schools. However, without clear guidance and structured resources, even the most dedicated mentors can struggle to provide effective support. Recognizing this challenge, Kathryn Moore has been working with Project STAY, a mentorship and online training program designed to enhance the support system for new teachers. Through her work, Kathryn is developing an Introductory Module that ensures mentors have the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to make a lasting impact.

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What is Project STAY?

Project STAY is an online course and mentorship program created to support early-career teachers (those in their first three years) who work with students with autism in high-need schools and districts. The program combines mentorship with structured online training modules, equipping mentors with best practices for guiding and supporting new teachers.

The online component consists of four training modules, each designed to prepare mentors for their role in fostering a strong, supportive learning environment within their schools. However, feedback from mentors and the advisory board revealed a crucial gap: many mentors lacked clarity on the purpose, structure, and expectations of Project STAY before beginning their mentorship.

Identifying the Challenge

Through discussions with mentors and the advisory board, Kathryn discovered that many mentors felt unprepared when stepping into their role. Specifically, they needed:

• A clear understanding of Project STAY’s purpose, rationale, and significance
• A detailed overview of the program’s timeline and key milestones
• Defined role expectations and responsibilities
• Structured resources to help them navigate their mentorship journey

Without this foundational knowledge, mentors found it difficult to provide effective guidance to their mentees, limiting the overall impact of the program. Addressing these gaps became a top priority to enhance mentor preparedness and improve program outcomes.

Developing the Solution

To equip mentors with the necessary knowledge, Kathryn is designing a comprehensive Introductory Module using Articulate Storyline 360 and Canva. This module will serve as an essential orientation tool, ensuring that every mentor begins their journey with clarity and confidence. The module will include:

✅ A detailed explanation of Project STAY – outlining its purpose, goals, and the significance of mentorship in supporting early-career teachers.
✅ A structured timeline – breaking down the mentorship journey, key milestones, and expectations for both mentors and mentees.
✅ Clearly defined mentor roles and responsibilities – ensuring that mentors understand their impact and how they can best support new teachers.
✅ Downloadable guides and visual timelines – providing easily accessible resources for mentors to refer to throughout their mentorship.

By presenting this information in an engaging and interactive format, the module ensures that mentors feel fully prepared before they begin working with their mentees.

How IDOL Academy Made This Possible

Kathryn credits IDOL Academy for equipping her with the skills and knowledge needed to develop this project. Through IDOL Academy’s comprehensive training in instructional design, eLearning development, and visual communication, she gained expertise in tools like Articulate Storyline 360 and Canva, which she used to create an engaging and effective learning experience for mentors.

Beyond technical skills, IDOL Academy’s emphasis on real-world application, mentorship, and portfolio-building helped Kathryn refine her approach to structuring impactful learning modules. The Academy’s hands-on learning environment provided her with the confidence and practical experience necessary to develop a solution that directly addresses the challenges faced by Project STAY mentors.

Anticipated Impact

Kathryn’s work on the Introductory Module for Project STAY is expected to significantly enhance mentor confidence and effectiveness, leading to:

⭐ Stronger mentor-mentee relationships – with mentors fully prepared to provide guidance and support.
⭐ Increased mentor engagement and satisfaction – as they enter the program with clear expectations and structured resources.
⭐ A more impactful mentorship experience – ensuring early-career teachers receive the support they need to succeed.

With a clear roadmap, structured training, and accessible resources, mentors will be better equipped to support their mentees, ultimately strengthening the overall success of Project STAY.

Looking Ahead

By addressing this critical need, Kathryn Moore is helping shape the future of mentorship within Project STAY. Thanks to the skills she developed through IDOL Academy, she was able to create an engaging, well-structured learning module that will have a lasting impact on both mentors and the new teachers they support.

As this Introductory Module is implemented, it promises to improve mentor preparedness, strengthen teacher retention, and enhance educational experiences for students with autism. Stay tuned for further updates as this initiative continues to evolve! 🚀