Speech Pathology Australia’s Mentoring Program helps practitioners new to some aspect of their role (mentees) who would like to develop their skills, knowledge and networks, by matching them with a more experienced practitioner (mentor).

Interested already?

2013 Mentor Registration Form - Please click here

2013 Mentee Registration Form - currently not taking new registrations 

 Mentoring Program Brochure

Mentoring Program News

Following two years of successfully steering the Association’s Mentoring Program, Yvonne Pearse is stepping down from the role as National Mentoring Coordinator. Yvonne has been a committed and enthusiastic coordinator, providing support and guidance to the Branch mentoring leaders and has always been willing to tap into her professional networks to assist with making mentoring matches. Thank you Yvonne, your contribution to the Mentoring Program is much appreciated.

At the same time the Association has been taking the opportunity to review the current program, evaluate its successes and challenges and consider other potential program options. Considerations have been informed by member feedback, other association programs and best practice models. It is planned that a revised Mentoring Program will be re-launched in early 2014.

In the meantime the Mentoring Program will continue in its current form, with existing partnerships continuing to be supported during 2013. New registrations for Mentee and Mentors will be accepted until 31 March 2013. Mentoring Leaders will continue their valuable work in matching Mentees and Mentors, as well as providing partnerships with support throughout the year.

The Association would like to thank all the Branch Mentoring Leaders past and present for their time and expertise and we also look forward to having their input into how the revised program will look next year.   

Mentoring Resources:

Stay tuned for updates !


There are four streams to the Program:
Clinical Practice and Management
Research
Branch Executive of Speech Pathology Australia
Working with Developing Communities

Speech Pathology Australia’s Mentoring Program facilitates the development of mentoring partnerships.  The Program encourages collaboration and reciprocity – both members of the pair explore and share their own thinking.  The program is a holistic approach to growth in all aspects of work and may involve:

Professional support around clinical issues, caseload management, staff issues, administration and time management; and

Personal support around ambitions and goals, stress levels and resolution, boosting of confidence and self-esteem.

• But I don’t have time! – read Lucy’s story
• But I don’t feel I have built up enough experience to pass on! – read Sarah’s story
• But I live so far from the city! -  read Jennifer’s story
• But I should know how to handle my practice/professional issues! – read Laura’s story

But I don’t have time! –  Lucy’s story
Mentoring was something I’d been thinking of getting involved in, however with heavy work and personal commitments, I really didn’t think I had time to commit to anything extra.  I was approached to be a mentor and was assured it wouldn’t take up too much of my time.

For the first few meetings, I had coffee with my mentee near my work as she was located quite close by.  This was a great way to get to know each other.  After a short time, unfortunately she got a job much further away, but having established the relationship it worked quite well to have monthly phone contact.  I came to really look forward to our calls as the mentee was a very proactive new grad and it was great to see her developing her skills and also learn a few things from her along the way.

After about 6 months our contact reduced to every two - three months with occasional email contact in between the phone calls. Not only did being involved in the mentoring program not take up much of my time, but the time it did take was so worthwhile that I would be more than happy to take on another mentee if asked.

But I don’t feel I have built up enough experience to pass on! –  Sarah’s story
When I was asked to be a mentor I didn’t feel I had enough expertise to adequately support a new graduate; having only four years work experience myself.  The Branch Mentoring Leader convinced me to give it a go and I’m so glad I did. Being a sole practitioner I really enjoyed the contact with a new grad and hearing about her work experiences. I discovered I had learnt a lot in my four years and was able to provide suggestions and resources to the mentee which she found useful.

But I live so far from the city! -  read Jennifer’s story
I was a Speech Pathology Australia member but didn’t think I would be eligible for a mentor as I was working in Hong Kong.  Being a new grad I really felt like I needed some support. When I rang the Association I found out that I was eligible for a mentor and they matched me straight away. I have had two phone calls with my mentor but we mostly email eachother. Her support and help has been invaluable and has really boosted my confidence.

But I have 10 years experience – how could I be eligible for a mentor?! – Laura’s story
I thought the mentoring program was only for new graduates so I was delighted to find out I was eligible when I changed jobs and started working with children after working with adults for the past 8 years. My mentor was great to talk to and really helped by linking me into some of her networks and sharing resources with me.