Mentorship Program

Quote: Mentorship is the essence of professional growth

Aid in Networking and Provide Academic/Career Advice

Sign-ups are closed for Cohort 3 (2025-26 School Year). Keep an eye on your email in July 2026 for enrollment into Cohort 4!

The TASP SPs in a Pod Mentorship Program fosters connection, collaboration, and professional growth among school psychologists at every career stage -- from graduate students and early-career practitioners to seasoned professionals. Whether you are looking for guidance, peer support, or opportunities to mentor the next generation, this program provides a meaningful way to build relationships, share knowledge, and thrive within a supportive professional community.

The program year 3 will begin with a virtual Kick-Start meeting on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Registration closes on September 3, 2025.

FUN FACT:

How was the name created?

A pea pod is part of a pea plant that surrounds the growing peas. In the field of school psychology, there are many times when we work in isolation but thrive in collaborative and supportive environments where we gain insight and bounce ideas off one another. SPs in a POD serves as a symbolic place for practicing and future school psychologists to have a designated safe space to harvest their knowledge and mental capacity to grow their careers and blossom.

Participation Eligibility

PODs are available for TASP Members Only

If you are not a current TASP member and would like to participate, you can start or renew your membership HERE.
Current membership is required in order to be considered for the matching process.

Manual Matching

To allow TASP to understand prospective mentors and mentees current interest, career goals, and areas of need, participants will be manually matched in a "POD" based on their interests, identities, and goals on the interest form.

Enrollment is open once per year and matched in a cohort format.

How it Works

July 21 - August 31: The program is open for registration. New and returning participants complete the interest form by the end of the day on August 31st. Interest form includes your goals, priorities, and experience.
September 8: POD matches are announced via email.
September 18: Virtual Kick-Start and Q&A meeting
November 7: Exclusive In-Person Fall Convention Mixer at Marriott Sugar Land Town Square
December 2025: Virtual check-in with mentors and mentees held to gain insight into topics discussed, allow for community among each other and ways TASP can help provide information on high need topics.
Spring 2026:

Virtual Mentor Roundtable (1 CPD hour provided free)
Virtual End-of-Year Celebration
Participant Program Evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who should initiate contact once I receive my match?

Mentors are encouraged to initiate first contact with their mentee(s). However, mentees are also welcome to reach out to begin building the relationship.

What if I don't hear from my mentor or mentee?

Please allow a couple of weeks, as everyone's schedules differ at the start of the program. If you have not heard from your match after the September Kick-Start meeting, please contact [email protected] so we can help support the connection.

Can I be re-matched if I don't feel like my POD is a good fit?

Because matches are created manually based on interest forms, re-matching is not guaranteed. We encourage participants to give the relationship some time to develop. If needed, a meeting can be held with the Membership Committee chair to determine the areas of mismatch. If it cannot be resolved, we will try to re-match via a waitlist. If no one is available, the participant is encouraged to enroll in next year's cohort.

I missed the registration deadline. Can I still join?

Unfortunately, enrollment occurs only once per year to allow PODs time to grow and connect. If you miss the deadline, we encourage you to stay active with TASP and look for the next enrollment period.

Can mentors be matched with more than one mentee?

Yes. Mentors have the opportunity to support up to two mentees at once. This option is determined on the interest form.

What is the Kick-Start Meeting?

The Kick-Start Meeting will cover program logistics, participation requirements, and a suggested topic list, followed by breakout sessions for each POD to introduce themselves and set meeting expectations.

What additional community resources provided?

All participants will receive access to a program-wide GroupMe chat and a cohort website page where resources, announcements, and tips for mentorship will be posted. These spaces help build connections across PODs.

What kinds of activities should I expect between the events outlined?

Each POD will determine its own structure and frequency of meetings, with suggested topics provided at the Kick-Start Meeting. Matches are encouraged to set expectations early and check in regularly.

Can I earn CPD by participating?

Yes. Both mentors and mentees are eligible to earn one free hour of CPD credit by attending the virtual Mentor Roundtable in the Spring.
Those with NCSP credentials may also claim CPD under categories E and F by completing the Professional Support Verification Form.

Related Resources

Sample SPs in a POD Obligation Agreements	Guidance for Postgraduate Mentorship	Professional Support Verification Form

The Obligation Agreement is a mutual commitment between mentors and mentees designed to ensure a supportive, professional, and productive experience throughout the year.	NASP provides guidance for suggestions on how to structure your SPs in a POD mentorship so it is meaningful and beneficial to both mentors and mentees.	The Professional Support Verification Form is available to allow to document CPD support. This form support the first-time NCSP renewal requirement.