Recognizing the Impact of Mentorships on Thank a Mentor Day

By: Mary Stevens, Communication Specialist

Mentorship is a fundamental principle of personal and professional development that fosters meaningful connections and propels individuals to thrive. According to Forbes, “87% of mentors and mentees feel empowered by their relationships and reported greater confidence and career satisfaction.” 

Thank a Mentor Day (Jan. 21) was established to serve as a reminder of the impact of sharing knowledge, guidance, and encouragement. 

At Florida Virtual School (FLVS), mentorship is a cornerstone of its community, fostering innovation, growth, and excellence. The organization’s mentors provide invaluable support and guidance, sharing their expertise and insights into FLVS best practices. 

"Mentorship at FLVS is a transformative experience for mentors and mentees,” shared Heather Berry, Internship Program Manager, Human Resources. “Mentors get to share their wealth of knowledge and experience, while mentees benefit from personalized guidance and the chance to learn from seasoned professionals. It's a win-win situation that enriches the educational journey for everyone involved."

With a strong commitment to cultivating a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, FLVS offers various professional learning opportunities for team members to participate in mentorships, whether as seasoned guides or eager learners. 

Professional Learning Programs that Support Mentorship

• LeadershipU: A series, open to all team members, that supports leadership skills development through panel-style Q&A sessions led by various leaders from across the organization who act as mentors to participants. Participants receive a completion certificate at the end of the program.

• Leading with Excellence: An immersive series that equips current supervisors with essential leadership skills through monthly sessions, fostering excellence and outstanding results in their teams. Sessions are led by mentor leaders from various departments.

• Aspiring Leaders: An application-based program for teachers aiming to become an Instructional Leader or Assistant Principal. It provides training and mentorship experiences to build leadership skills through collaborative and individual efforts.

• Principal Preparation Program: An application-based program where participants demonstrate mastery of the Florida Principal Leadership Standards. They are mentored by an individual who already holds the School Principal certification. It aims to create principals who shape a vision of academic success, create a safe and positive environment, recognize and develop leadership in others, innovate online instruction, and manage personnel, data, and systems for continuous school improvement.

• Linked Leaders: A program supporting supervisory growth, with sessions led by current leaders. It encourages exploring professional learning courses together and taking part in reflective learning discussions to support application of learned material.

• Leadership Launchpad: An invite-only program for select support staff, enhancing leadership acumen through professional learning sessions, leadership experiences, and cohort collaboration. Participants are largely supported and mentored by their supervisors through strategic discussions and opportunities for on-the-job leadership experiences.

• Internship Program: A program that offers a unique platform where experienced educators and support staff mentor individuals who aspire to excel in virtual education.

Being part of FLVS means joining a community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and continuous growth. Through mentorship, everyone benefits from a stronger, more connected organization focused on helping team members grow and reach new heights. 

On Thank a Mentor Day, take a moment to celebrate your mentors or consider getting involved in a mentorship program.

To learn more about Florida Virtual School or to join a team that works to make a difference, visit flvs.net/careers.

About the Author: Mary Stevens, communications specialist and the student Newspaper Club sponsor at Florida Virtual School, is passionate about communications, driving cultural initiatives, and enhancing the overall team member experience.