Mentors | Torrance Council of

Mentor Information

Torrance Council of PTAs strives to make sure our units have all the support that they need to be successful.

Our Mentor Program is one way we provide that support.

Each PTA in our Council has a mentor who is available to help you. Find your mentor on the list below:

Mentor List

TCPTA Board mentor should:

Reach out to the unit president via email to establish what the best line of communication is and to encourage an open line of communication.
Maintain communication with the unit president.
Research the unit’s by-laws, determine the dates of all future board and association meetings and confirm the time and location of the meetings.
Attend meetings to assist the unit as needed and provide support.

Unit President should:

Introduce the TCPTA mentor at the board meeting.
Let the board know the mentor is there to support the unit.
Add the mentor to the email list and keep mentor informed.
Establish a relationship with the mentor and know they are a valuable resource for the unit.

If you have questions or need further info about the Mentor Program, please email:

Mentors@TorranceCouncilofPTAs.org

*High school units are not assigned an individual mentor but have the support of the TCPTA Board of Directors and can direct questions/concerns to Mentors@TorranceCouncilofPTAs.org.

Mentor Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a mentor?

Torrance Council of PTAs is your leadership support team and our role is to provide help, answers, training, and guidance during your time as a PTA president.

The Torrance Council Board of Directors and standing chairs volunteer to support units and unit presidents for the entire school year.

Mentors support units by attending your board meetings, providing feedback, answering questions, and sharing resources.

A mentor/mentee relationship can be as expansive as you'd like. Some mentors connect with their mentees several times a year virtually or in person. Other mentors and mentees are in regular contact with the mentee attending all board meetings and functions (as time permits).

Mentors are given a guest seat at your meetings and can support you if any questions arise around the PTA process or input is requested.

Mentors may also contact monthly with friendly reminders from Council about outstanding items. Again, the goal is to be supportive. You have a LOT going on, and your mentor's goal is to help you be successful.

What happens if we make a mistake or omission at our meeting? How does the mentor get involved?

Again, your mentor is your support, NOT the PTA police. If your team misses reading something into the minutes or making motions, for instance, your mentor might offer up advice in the moment. Or your mentor might decide to provide you with suggestions post-meeting.

PTAs can vary widely in how they operate and the programs they run, but there are some specific, required procedures that all PTAs must adhere to and this is where mentors may focus most of their observation and support.

I'm a seasoned PTA leader. Do I really need a mentor?

Absolutely! No matter what level of PTA, we are all leaders as well as learners and there is always something new to learn or new ways of approaching ongoing challenges.

Mentors have long PTA careers with lots of experience from their time as a unit leader as well as a mentor. A mentor can offer insight and fresh ideas they've seen work elsewhere.

Although mentors are largely your support, they can offer invaluable help with team dynamics and process. Sometimes having an outside person who can validate or verify, can be helpful. Mentors can also provide a buffer and advice when it comes to conflict or difficult discussions.

What is the role of a mentor at my meeting?

When you invite your mentor to your meetings, they may introduce themselves at the first meeting.

Afterwards, mentors can be called up in a meeting for questions related to PTA process, Council programs or advice on related matters.

You can also request that the mentor speak to a specific topic, i.e. a mini training or process walk-through on things like motions, counting money, bylaws and standing rules, etc. Remember to ask your mentor about this in advance of the meeting.

In addition to learning about your PTA's unique needs, mentors can also support you ahead of your meetings - helping with questions around agendas, motions, etc.

Your mentor might also flag or provide suggestions for future meetings to you after the board meeting ends. Or a mentor might provide a helpful reminder during the meeting - such as granting courtesy seats, pro tem appointments, motions, etc.

Your mentor is NOT the PTA police. As PTA leaders with a long history of leading PTA groups, our goal is to share helpful, relevant info with you. Think of your mentor is your personal guide and support.