During the year-long program, GEM fellows work closely with district leaders to practice leadership skills, further develop an equity lens, and connect with GEM mentors and other innovators in order to operationalize their own leadership transformation in relation to their school and district work. The mentoring program connects fellows with leaders internal and external to the district that can help them test ideas, reflect on their own practices, model and affirm practices and approach, and navigate challenging situations ultimately building the fellows leadership capacity.
GEM Mentors are intentionally matched with GEM Fellows to deliver thought partnership and guidance around a focused set of practice or competency areas as mutually determined by mentor, mentee and GEM program staff. Through this structure, GEM Mentors share their experience and knowledge of best practices for improving student achievement, and education management and leadership to support GEM Fellows in expanding their capacity as education leaders.