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Mentoring is most effective when it is a collaborative process that supports growth for both the mentor and the mentee. Designed for educators seeking to build a strong foundation in mentoring knowledge and skills or refresh and update their existing practice, the Proficient Mentor Training for Educators Certificate Program introduces a research-based, theory-driven approach that blends academic foundations with practical applications. In this three-session online course, participants will explore the core principles of effective mentoring while also learning actionable strategies for fostering productive mutual relationships.
What sets this program apart is the emphasis on collaboration. Rather than focusing solely on the mentor’s role, this program highlights how mentors and mentees work together to share knowledge, build trust, and achieve mutual success. To support this process, participants (the mentors in training) are provided with structured, ready-to-use tools and supplemental materials that simplify the mentoring experience.
By the conclusion of the program, participants will have the knowledge, skills, and tools to become proficient mentors who can create meaningful, measurable outcomes for themselves and their mentees. Program resources will help participants navigate challenges with confidence.
By the end of this course, the successful student will be able to:
Credential Requirements: Preliminary/Clear Credential, Teaching Certification/License, or equivalent. Individuals who are teaching with a Provisional or Intern Teaching Credential must be enrolled in an accredited teaching preparation program.
The collaborative mentorship program is comprehensive and provides knowledge and skills in how to mentor along with the practical aspects of improving the discrete skills of beginning teachers. The unique feature of the program is that it not only provides content (WHAT to do), but it also provides specific strategies and tools (HOW to do).
Participants who successfully complete the course earn one (1) unit of extension credit, qualify for a pay increase, receive a mentor certificate, and add mentoring proficiency to their resume/portfolio. Qualified mentors may lead professional development sessions.
1 Extension Unit
Proficient Mentor Training for Educators is a research-based systematic approach that presents mentoring information and best practices. This comprehensive and interactive course offers multiple opportunities for practice. Through knowledge acquisition, skill building, and reflection, participants (mentors in training) learn how to cooperate in a mutual teaching and learning cycle. This course is designed for educators seeking mentoring knowledge and skills: e.g., prospective and practicing mentors, veteran/master teachers, university fieldwork supervisors, administrators, and professional development leaders.
Title: The Art of Collaborative Mentoring: A Practical Approach to Support Novice Teachers
Authors: Shirley R. Lal and Carrie Ann Blackaller
Year Published: 2025.
Print Version ISBN: 979-8-8229-6376-4
Digital Version ISBN: 979-8-3188-1781-6
Title: The Art of Collaborative Mentoring: Supplemental Tools
Authors: Shirley R. Lal and Carrie Ann Blackaller
Year Published: 2025.
Print Version: ISBN: 979-8-3316-5019-3
Digital Version: ISBN: 979-8-3316-4999-9
Course assignments/assessments are designed to help students demonstrate their understanding of the mentoring process. Students will demonstrate an understanding or mastery of learning outcomes by (a) actively participating in discussions, (b) successfully completing all assignments, and (c) accurately responding to the learning outcomes assessment questions. Letter grades are based on the point system awarded for assignments/assessments. Students must receive a grade of C or better to pass the course.
Participants will complete interactive in-class assignments and engage in discussions and activities that reinforce course topics.
| StartDate | EndDate | CRN | Dept | Course Title | Days | Hours | Reg Deadline | Fee | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/28/2026 | 04/11/2026 | 25687 | TEX 513 | Proficient Mentor Training for Educators | Sat | Asynchronous + 3 LIVE Online Sessions: 2/28/26, 3/14/26, and 3/28/26 9 am–1 pm PT | 02/24/2026 | $205 | CA Blackaller S Lal |
| 05/30/2026 | 07/25/2026 | 38660 | TEX 513 | Proficient Mentor Training for Educators | Sat | Asynchronous + 3 LIVE Online Sessions: 5/30/26, 6/13/26, and 7/11/26 9 am–1 pm PT | 05/26/2026 | $205 | CA Blackaller S Lal |
| 08/01/2026 | 09/12/2026 | 38661 | TEX 513 | Proficient Mentor Training for Educators | Sat | Asynchronous + 3 LIVE Online Sessions: 8/1/26, 8/15/26, and 8/29/26 9 am–1 pm PT | 07/28/2026 | $205 | CA Blackaller S Lal |
| 09/12/2026 | 10/24/2026 | 42889 | TEX 513 | Proficient Mentor Training for Educators | Sat | Asynchronous + 3 LIVE Online Sessions: 9/12/26, 9/26/26, and 10/10/26 9 am–1 pm PT | 09/08/2026 | $205 | CA Blackaller S Lal |
| 10/24/2026 | 12/05/2026 | 42890 | TEX 513 | Proficient Mentor Training for Educators | Sat | Asynchronous + 3 LIVE Online Sessions: 10/24/26, 11/7/26, and 11/21/26 9 am–1 pm PT | 10/20/2026 | $205 | CA Blackaller S Lal |
* Schedule and costs subject to change at any time; consult with instructor for specific date details | Updated 9/10/2026
Instructors:
Shirley R. Lal, Ph.D. |slal@csudh.edu
Carrie Ann Blackaller, Ph.D. | cablackaller@csudh.edu
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) mandates that all prospective mentors complete a minimum of 12 hours of foundational mentor training that directly aligns with state standards. This matrix serves as the official alignment guide, bridging the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP - 2024) to the Proficient Mentor Training for Educators (CM2) 12-hour training curriculum, which comprises Domain 2: Collaborative Mentoring Concepts, Domain 3: Mentor Proficiency, Domain 4: Mentee Evolution, Domain 5: Mentoring and Teaching Practices, and Domain 6: Closure and Endview.
Yes, course content and materials are designed for broad application across diverse educational settings and professional contexts.
No. You do not need to be physically located in the Pacific Time Zone. You can attend from anywhere, but all live online sessions are scheduled according to Pacific Time (PT) as listed in the course schedule. Participants are responsible for converting the scheduled Pacific Time (PT) to their local time and joining each session accordingly.
No, previous mentoring experience is not required.
Participants can expect to spend 1–2 hours per week on coursework outside of class.
Yes, most mentors are typically credentialed teachers.
No, but you must have prior teaching experience.
Yes, we recommend students have a minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience.
Educators who have completed prior formal mentor preparation through BTSA, a current California Teacher Induction program, or another comprehensive mentor-training program may find some course content familiar; however, the program provides an excellent opportunity to revisit and formalize core mentoring practices through engaging, well-constructed activities within a structured collaborative framework.
No, you do not... But if you have a potential mentee candidate, we welcome them to apply.
Learn more about earning, accepting, and sharing your CSUDH Digital Badges, Certificates & Credentials ►
Upon successful program completion, graduates will earn an official certificate alongside shareable digital badges. These modern, verifiable credentials offer a secure way to demonstrate workforce-ready skills, a solid foundation in core program principles, and the practical real-world application of industry standards on resumes and professional networking platforms.
Learn more about Digital Badges & Certificates ►
Once you have completed all the required courses,
REQUEST YOUR CERTIFICATE/BADGES via our online application!
The processing time is approximately 4-6 weeks from the time of submission and includes both a digital certificate link and a printed physical certificate.
When you're ready to register for courses, call 310-243-3741 (Option 1).
The deadline to enroll for courses for most certificate programs is FOUR (4) BUSINESS DAYS or earlier before the class begins; please check the Course Schedule for the program to ensure that you can enroll on time.
If you received your registration confirmation email, you'll be directed to our Getting Started page, where you learn how to activate your student account, set up authentication, and join your class via MyCSUDH and Canvas.
(Please keep in mind that registration/student account processing can take 24–48 hours from the time of your confirmation receipt; if you are unable to activate your account after this point, please reach out to us below.)
Check this program's FAQs (if provided), or simply call: 310-243-2075, email: learn@csudh.edu, or use our LiveChat ↘ to ask questions or leave a detailed message regarding this program.