Project STAY's Introductory Module 

Summary:
Project STAY is an online course and mentorship program designed to support early-career teachers (those in their first three years) working with students with autism in high-need schools/districts. The online portion of the program consists of four training modules that prepare mentors to apply best practices in supporting new teachers within a school setting.

Challenge:
Feedback from mentors and the advisory board revealed a significant challenge: mentors lack clarity on the purpose, rationale, and significance of Project STAY. Additionally, they need a clear overview of the timeline, role expectations, and project components before beginning their mentorship and training. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure the program's success.

Solution:
To address this challenge, I am creating a comprehensive introduction to Project STAY specifically for mentor teachers. This introduction will define the program’s purpose, rationale, and significance while also providing a detailed overview of the timeline, role expectations, and key components. Structured resources, including downloadable guides and visual timelines, will be included to support mentor understanding and preparation.

Result:
This initiative is expected to equip mentors with a thorough understanding of the Project STAY program, its expectations, and its timeline. By doing so, mentors will be better prepared to support their mentees effectively, leading to a stronger mentorship process and greater impact of the program overall.