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The Mentor Launch Workshops
Four workshops to prepare mentors for the year ahead
Four on-demand video sessions led by the authors of The Teacher Mentor’s Handbook, Jeffrey Craig and Brenda Kaylor — helping mentors launch the school year with confidence, build strong relationships from day one, and guide new teachers through their first year.
Four Workshops
Preparing mentors for the year ahead
1
Congratulations (and Thank You)! You're a Mentor!
Celebrate the role, the impact, and the opportunity ahead.
- Celebrate & Get Inspired
2
So… What Does a Mentor Actually Do?
Explore the mentor role, responsibilities, and the biggest ways to make a difference.
- Understand the Role
3
Setting the Stage for Mentoring Success
Build a strong foundation for a trusting, productive mentoring relationship.
- Build the Partnership
4
Here We Go! Starting the Year Off Right
Kick off the year with confidence and practical strategies for the first weeks and beyond.
- Launch a Strong Start
Rooted in research. Written for practice. Practical guidance from The Teacher Mentor’s Handbook to help you support new teachers — and strengthen your school community.
Your Support. Their Success. Our Future.
On-demand sessions, led by the authors
The workshop includes four on-demand video sessions based on The Teacher Mentor’s Handbook and led by the authors, Jeffrey Craig and Brenda Kaylor.
- Launch the school year with confidence
- Build strong mentor–mentee relationships from day one
- Guide new teachers through the challenges of their first year
Included with every pre-order
One workshop access is included with each pre-ordered purchase of The Teacher Mentor's Handbook and will be available summer 2026 to support your mentors as they work with new teachers.
Designed to work with JAMS
Built to be used alongside the Just ASK Mentoring Series (JAMS), providing ongoing access to videos, community, and events that help mentors continue growing all year long.
A Complete Mentoring System
Three parts that work together to support mentors all year long.
The Book
provides the framework.
The Workshop
starts the year strong.
JAMS
supports ongoing implementation.
Pre-order the new book today to secure the complete mentoring system for your district.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Pre-order the new book today to secure the complete mentoring system for your district.
SPECIAL OFFER
$39.95 per book
Pre-Order Price
Regular Price
$49.95 per book
Volume discounts begin at 100 copies
District pre-orders include:
- Workshop access
- JAMS access through the end of summer
Meet the Authors and JAMS Leaders
Brenda Kaylor
Brenda Kaylor is a Colorado native and a proud former teacher, instructional coach, central administrator, and now consultant to districts across the country.
She previously served as director of professional learning for the St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont, Colorado. In that capacity she supported the development of instructional and induction coaches. She led the development and implementation of results-based professional development models, the design of a differentiated system of support for induction of new teachers, and the development of a new model of teacher evaluation. Brenda was awarded the O’Rourke Prize as Professional Developer of the Year in Colorado. Under her leadership, St. Vrain was also nationally recognized for their results in induction and results-based professional learning.
Brenda has worked in multiple capacities as a senior consultant for Just ASK Publications and Professional Development, including a focus on induction and mentoring. She has led teams in both large and small districts in the development of new systems of results-based induction and mentoring.
She co-authored a number of publications, including Creating a Culture for Learning and Results-Based Professional Development Models. She wrote a number of articles for the journal Leaning Forward. She was also director and co-editor of the Just ASK Video Collection: Collegial Conversations, Teaching & Learning in the 21st Century, 3rd Grade Science, 4th/5th Grade Writer’s Workshop, and 2nd Grade Writer’s Workshop.
Today she spends most of her current professional time supporting instructional coaches, mentors and central administrators. Brenda has returned to Just ASK as a member of the inaugural JAMS team.
Her “best of life” is the time she spends with her husband, Jim, grown-up children Kristy and Jimmie, and four very amusing grandchildren.
Jeffrey Craig
Jeffrey Craig, Ed.D. is a lifelong educator. His leadership as a teacher, principal, and district leader impacted students and adults in many ways. He was a teacher and team leader in Canandaigua, NY. He was a middle school principal in Greece, NY, and in Syracuse, NY. As an Assistant Superintendent for a regional educational service agency, Craig worked with leaders from dozens of school districts across New York as they led their school and district improvement initiatives. He concluded his administrative career as the assistant superintendent in Cortland, NY. Craig also helped prepare the next generation of school administrators, both for roles as principals and district leaders, as an adjunct professor at SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland. His articles have been published in a number of respected educational journals.
Questions?
For specific questions, please reach out and we'll be glad to help.
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