Mentor Success Academy: frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about Mentor Success Academy: who takes the training, how much time it takes each week, MSA’s LEAP framework, certification, the free research trial and center membership. Still have a question? Email info@mentorsuccessacademy.com.
What is Mentor Success Academy?
Mentor Success Academy (MSA) is a 12-week mentor training program that teaches experienced preschool teachers how to mentor and coach other early childhood teachers, built on MSA's LEAP framework. The training is for the mentor, so the skills stay in your program after the 12 weeks end.
Who actually takes the training?
The mentor. MSA trains experienced teachers to become skilled mentors. Mentees take part by meeting with their mentor each week and completing short reflections, but the training is for the mentor, so the skills stay in your program after the 12 weeks and can be used with the next teacher, and the next.
How much time does the program take each week?
Each mentoring pair meets for 30–45 minutes once a week, and mentors and mentees each complete a short reflection. Directors set aside that weekly meeting time for the 12 weeks. Mentors complete their training on their own time.
What does a mentor learn each week?
The 12 weeks are organized into three focus areas. Weeks 1–4 cover Emotional Climate & Responsiveness, weeks 5–8 cover Classroom Organization, and weeks 9–12 cover Instructional Support. Each week has one training module with 16 coaching scenarios, one for each leadership expression profile, for 192 scenarios in all.
What is MSA's LEAP framework?
LEAP (Leadership Expression Assessment Profile) is the framework inside Mentor Success Academy's training. Mentors and mentees each take MSA's LEAP Quiz to find their natural leadership expression. There are four core expressions (Driver, Inspirer, Sustainer and Cultivator) and 12 blends, for 16 profiles in all. Mentors learn to adapt their coaching to each teacher's profile.
Is Mentor Success Academy connected to other programs called LEAP?
No. LEAP is the name of the framework inside Mentor Success Academy's training. Mentor Success Academy is not affiliated with any other program that uses the name LEAP, including youth mentoring programs.
How does a mentor become an MSA Certified Mentor?
After finishing all 12 training modules, a mentor can take the certification test: 12 coaching scenarios, one from each week, drawn from the scenarios mentors train on. Mentors who answer at least 9 of 12 correctly earn the MSA Certified Mentor credential and a printable certificate. Certification lasts one year and is renewed each year.
Who founded Mentor Success Academy?
Mentor Success Academy was co-founded by Mary Wardlaw, Ed.S., MBA, an early childhood educator since 1992 and founder of The Children's Center in southwest Michigan, and Rebecca Munlyn, founder and CEO of Inspired Growth, LLC, a leadership and team development consultant with more than 20 years of experience.
Why does a classroom not use MSA in the research trial?
Comparing classrooms that use MSA with at least one that doesn't lets the research measure what difference mentoring actually makes. Participating and non-participating classrooms complete the same surveys.
What happens after the 3-month trial?
When the trial ends, programs can continue with a paid center membership. There's no obligation to continue.
Can we get a center membership without joining the research?
Yes. A center membership gives your mentors full training and your program full access, with no research requirements, and you can start at any time.
How is a center membership priced?
A center membership is priced monthly per mentor, with discounts for 2 or more mentors. Each mentor works with one mentee at a time, with unlimited mentees over the membership. Current prices are on the Center Membership page.
Our program doesn't meet the trial criteria. Can we still use MSA?
Yes. The criteria only apply to the free research trial. Any program can get a center membership. The training is written for mentors supporting teachers of preschool-age children (2½–5).