Mentor Foundational Opportunities are designed to build core knowledge of mentoring for equity. Mentor Academy 101 and 201 are 12-hour trainings. Nakia Academy can be taken in place of Mentor Academy 101 by participants who identify as people of color. Participation in Mentor Academy 101 or Nakia Academy is the prerequisite for participation in any other BEST event.

Note: We’re unable to provide make-up sessions. Please enroll only if you’re able to participate in the full event. Please also note that BEST’s Mentor Training Opportunities ask participants to engage in some vulnerable conversations. Consider choosing a zooming location/environment where you will be able to engage comfortably.

Mentor Academy 101

Mentor Academy 101 exists to prepare educators as leaders to serve in mentoring and coaching roles. Mentor Academy is grounded in the pursuit of equitable outcomes for students in Washington state. Academy content invites participants to examine themselves (their identity and experience), their approach to building relationships with mentees, and the systems change advocacy essential to mentoring for equity. Academy content is grounded in the WA State Standards for Mentoring. These standards are centered in educational equity: the heart of mentoring. Academy content is supported by Elena Aguilar’s Coaching for Equity; all pre-registered participants will receive a copy of Coaching for Equity.

Topics include: Understanding identity, relationship building, confidentiality, conversation skills, mentor roles, observation and feedback.

Mentor Academy 201 

Mentor Academy 201 extends mentor learning from Mentor Academy 101 to build capacity to engage in conversations around racial equity, deepen awareness of equitable classroom practices, and refine mentoring skills. 201 content invites participants to examine themselves (their identity and implicit biases), their strategies for talking about race, and their roles as antiracist mentors, pursuing educational equity for all students in Washington state.  Academy content is grounded in the WA State Standards for Mentoring. These standards are centered in educational equity: the heart of mentoring. Participants who attend this event can now earn up to 12 equity clock hours.  

Topics include: Understanding implicit bias, asset-based thinking, building learning partnerships.

NAKIA Academy

NAKIA Academy is a mentoring and leadership academy by people of color and open to people of color (all who identify as BIPOC). The training covers Mentor Academy 101 content that is specific for BIPOC educators and can be taken in place of Mentor Academy 101. The purpose of NAKIA Academy, named for a fictional unsung hero and a humanitarian whose philosophy includes lifting others up, is a community that is in continuous growth and support. It currently engages authentically with more than 180 people of color members to lead, organize and create equitable spaces in education. The academy will bring some 90 certificated educators (ESAs included) together in three cohort groups over a four-month period focused on thinking, learning, interacting, skill-building, and fun.

The 2022 Fall NAKIA Academy Application is now open and closes on August 15. Take time to make sure you are available on the scheduled dates before applying. Should you be selected, you will receive a $600 stipend as your wisdom and work are both valued and respected. You also will be able to receive 20 clock hours for your participation. If you'd like to learn more about NAKIA Academy, contact Torian Hodges-Finch.

Topics include: Understanding identity, relationship building, confidentiality, conversation skills, mentor roles, connection and healing, imposter syndrome.