September Learning & Preparation Material

Establishing the Connection

This Month’s Focus

September is about building the foundation for your LINK partnership. During your first LinkUp, you and your partner will get acquainted, discuss what you each hope to contribute and gain, and establish expectations for working together.

LINK is built on reciprocal learning. Both partners bring knowledge, experience, questions, and perspectives to the relationship.

September Learning & Preparation

Estimated preparation time: 25–30 minutes

Before meeting with your LINK partner, complete the reading and self-assessment below. This preparation will help you enter your first LinkUp ready to build a reciprocal, intentional professional learning relationship.

1. Explore Reciprocal Mentorship

Read The Science of Mentoring Relationships: What Is Mentorship?

As you read, focus on the description of mentorship as a collaborative, reciprocal, and dynamic relationship rather than a one-way transfer of knowledge.

Consider:

What distinguishes reciprocal learning from traditional ideas about mentoring?
What responsibilities do both partners have?
What can you contribute to a meaningful professional learning relationship?

🔗 LINK TO ARTICLE: WHAT IS MENTORSHIP?

2. Consider How You Connect

Reflect on the prompts below and make brief notes for yourself. You will use your responses during your first LinkUp, but you do not need to submit them separately.

I process ideas best by talking them through, reflecting first, or using a combination of both.
I prefer feedback that is direct, exploratory, encouraging, specific and action-oriented, or a combination.
When discussing a challenge, I usually benefit most from questions, advice, shared experiences, time to process, or another form of support.
Between LinkUps, I prefer to communicate by email, text, or another agreed-upon method.
One thing that helps me feel respected in a professional learning relationship is…
One strength, experience, or perspective I bring to this partnership is…
One area in which I want to remain open and teachable is…

Bring these reflections with you. During your LinkUp, share what feels relevant and use your responses to establish communication, feedback, and partnership norms.

You will document your completion of this preparation in the Post-LinkUp Reflection.

September Requirements

Complete one approximately one-hour LinkUp with your partner by September 30.

Both partners are responsible for:

Communicating promptly
Scheduling the LinkUp together
Selecting a mutually accessible meeting format
Preparing to contribute to the conversation
Completing all required documentation

LinkUps may be held virtually or in person.

Before Your LinkUp

Contact your partner and agree on:

The date and time
The meeting format or platform
Who will create and share the meeting link, if applicable
Any accessibility or communication needs

Come prepared with:

One professional goal you would like to explore through LINK
One question you would like to ask your partner
One area of knowledge, experience, or perspective you can contribute