ROLE 6: MENTOR
Growth Happens in Relationship
When Joellen Killion speaks about mentorship, she often emphasizes listening over advising.
The Mentor role, one of 10 roles highlighted in “Taking the Lead”, is rooted in relationship – offering support, encouragement, and space for reflection. Learning is sustained when people feel supported over time.
In literacy leadership, mentoring helps educators navigate change without feeling isolated. Joellen’s work reminds us that growth doesn’t require all the answers – it requires presence.
Action Step:
In your next mentoring conversation, listen fully and ask one forward-thinking question before offering advice.
Relational learning like this will be a cornerstone of our shared experience at the Learning Forward Georgia Winter PL Conference in Atlanta, GA. on February 27, 2026.
If you’re ready to deepen this thinking alongside colleagues across Georgia, join us this February.