AESIS Mentoring Programs
The AESIS sponsors several mentoring programs to support individuals transitioning into new academic roles.
New Educator Mentoring Program
The Academic Education Special Interest Section (AESIS) is pleased to announce a call for participants for the New Educator Mentorship Program (NEMP) for the 2026-2027 year. The New Educator Mentorship Program is an 8-month long program matching new educator mentees with experienced educator mentors according to interests and preferences. The mentorship program is offered at no charge as a benefit to AOTA members. Mentors and mentees work as partners and in small groups to enhance teaching. With the expansion in new programs, we especially need mentors, and mentors willing to work with small groups of mentees.
NEMP runs October through May. We meet each month for synchronous video sessions with brief presentations, discussion, and brainstorming for about 60 minutes. We post community resources in a Google Drive folder. Mentee-mentor pairs and groups often meet in addition to the formal program dates via telephone, videoconference, or email. Mentees and mentors will each receive a letter of participation after independently documenting hours.
Please submit application materials to Nicole Chipy-Hammack at nchipy@csm.edu by August 29th. We will notify all applicants of acceptance status by September 11th.
Application: NEMP 2026-2027 Application
Doctoral Capstone Coordinator Mentoring Program
The Doctoral Capstone Coordinator (DCC) Mentorship Program is available to support new and early career DCCs in the faculty role and responsibilities. A small group mentorship format is used with one mentor and several mentees. Small groups meet monthly and have additional opportunities for collaboration and learning during monthly large group meetings on current topics selected by the large group and facilitated by members. The cohort runs from late August – September through June. Applications open at the end of June and Early July for the next cohort. Both mentors and mentees are encouraged to apply.
New Program Director Mentoring Program
The AESIS Program Director/Chair Mentoring program pairs new OTA/OT Program Directors/Chairs (with 3 or less years of experience) with seasoned OTA/OT Program Directors/Chair (with 4 or more years of experience) to address areas of importance to Program Directors/Chairs. In addition to 1:1 meetings between mentor/mentees as arranged by the two, all mentors/mentees will meet monthly to discuss topics of interest to the mentees. This may include budget management, addressing conflict, and curriculum planning.
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Mentoring Program
We are pleased to announce the ninth year of the AESIS AFWC Mentorship Program and invite participation from both mentors and mentees. This free, 7-month virtual program runs the second Tuesday of every month at 12 pm EST, October 2026 through April 2027. The first meeting will be held on October 13, 2026. This program is designed to support new OT/OTA AFWCs by fostering professional growth, sharing expertise, and building meaningful connections across the country. Using a Community of Practice model, participants will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance, support, and opportunities for professional connection throughout the program. Participants will engage in monthly 60-minute virtual meetings and discussions. Upon completion of the program, mentors and mentees may request a Letter of Mentorship Participation.
Interested applicants must submit the attached document to Michael at michael.salemi@wne.edu on or before September 4. All selected participants will be informed in September.
Application: