A Mentorship Program Designed for Chicago’s Early Childhood Workforce
Whether you’re just beginning your journey in early childhood education or have years of experience to share, the Education Workforce Center’s Mentorship Program is here to support your growth. Join a citywide community committed to learning, leading, and lifting each other up.
What Is Our Mentorship Program?
The EWC mentorship initiative connects new Early Childhood professionals with experienced professionals to strengthen Chicago’s early education workforce. Participants gain professional growth, personalized support, and citywide connections. Mentors and mentees will collaborate to address both personal and classroom challenges to find solutions through an equitable and strengthen-based approach.
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Empowering Educators Through Connection
Mentorship
60
%+
of respondents said they would benefit from having a mentorship relationship.
Curriculum
50
%+
of respondents shared that they want guidance on both their education and career.
Collaboration
45
%
of respondents said collaboration with peers would be their most valuable resource among those listed.
Guidance
48
%
of respondents shared that they want guidance on both their education and career.
Voices From the Field
“There needs to be a partnership among teachers and sit with them and walk through practical applications in the classroom. There’s a disconnect between the learning environment and the experience on the job, so having a mentor that can bridge that gap will be helpful.”
“I would like to have someone to turn to who would understand my struggles and fears. Someone who could help me if I'm stuck or need advice. It would be beneficial because that person would be a support system.”
“Depending on the mentor, I feel like being able to collaborate with a teacher who has been in the classroom longer than I have would be really beneficial, as we would be able to bounce ideas off each other, and they could help me navigate the ins and outs of running a classroom.”
What Mentees Will Gain
This mentorship program connects early career teachers at Chicago CBOs with experienced educators for personalized guidance, resources, and lasting professional support.
Benefits for Mentees:
1:1 support on a monthly cadence
Access to professional development and resources
Individualized professional and personal support
Personalized goal setting and feedback
Lifelong membership to the Education Workforce Center through City Colleges of Chicago
Networking opportunities across the City of Chicago
Who Can Apply as a Mentee
To be eligible for the EWC Mentorship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be working in an early childhood program in the City of Chicago
Have less than 5 years working in early childhood
Commit to monthly 1:1 mentorship sessions and cohort-based activities
Attend an in-person orientation and professional development sessions
Be a member of the Education Workforce Center (EWC)
Monthly check-ins with mentor and program staff
Ready to Apply? Here’s How to Get Started!
Apply
Fill out our short application to be considered for the next EWC Mentorship cohort. Applications will open Spring of 2026.
Review
Once applications are closed, all applications will be scored using a rubric. Once selections have been made, there will be a short on-line interview for candidates to finalize the process. After all applications have been scored and interviews have been conducted, candidates will receive a decision. Our team will review your experience, goals, and background to help match you with the right mentor.
Paperwork & Orientation
If selected, you’ll complete the required paperwork, attend an orientation, and professional development sessions.
Why Become a Mentor?
Seasoned ECE professionals have the power to shape the next generation of educators. As a mentor, you’ll not only make a lasting impact, you’ll also help early educators gain the knowledge, confidence, and guidance you wish you had when starting your career. This is your opportunity to pay it forward, support new professionals through real-world challenges, and contribute to the uplift of the field as a whole. Along the way, you’ll expand your own professional network, engage in meaningful collaboration, and be recognized as a leader in early childhood education.
Mentor Benefits
Annual stipend for your time and commitment
Access to professional development and ECE resources
A platform to share your expertise and lived experience
Lifelong membership to the Education Workforce Center through City Colleges of Chicago
Cross-collaboration opportunities with ECE professionals across Chicago
Mentor Requirements
We’re seeking experienced and passionate professionals who are ready to guide and support the next generation of early childhood educators.
To be eligible, mentors must:
Have 8 or more years of experience in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field
Be passionate about mentorship, professional growth, and supporting new educators
Be based in the City of Chicago and familiar with the local early learning landscape
Attend one in-person orientation and professional development sessions
Commit to monthly 1:1 meetings with mentee and program staff, participate in professional development, and help build a strong, supportive cohort community
Participate in a two-year mentorship experience, which includes time outside of regular work hours
Ready to Support the Next Generation? Here’s How to Get Started!
Apply
Fill out our short mentor interest form to begin your application and share your background. Applications will open Spring of 2026.
Review
All applications will be scored using a rubric. Once selections have been made, there will be a short online interview for candidates to finalize the process. After all applications have been scored and interviews have been conducted, candidates will receive a decision. Our team will review your experience and interests to ensure the right mentor-mentee match based on program goals.
Onboarding
Mentors are required to attend one orientation, participate in professional development sessions, and contribute to the program through monthly action plans and cohort discussion boards.
Have Questions? We’ve Got You Covered.
Want to know more about the mentorship experience, time commitment, or application process? Visit our FAQ page for answers to the most common questions from both mentors and mentees.
Connect with Our Program Director
Still have questions or need help deciding if this program is right for you? Reach out to Guadalupe Valdivia, our Program Director, for more information.
