NAES Mentoring Program for New Chaplains

“An effective school chaplain can make an extraordinary difference in life of an Episcopal school. As pastor, priest, prophet, and teacher, the chaplain can serve as a binding, spiritual force, standing at the crossroads of faith and reason, individual and community, tradition and change…The need for chaplains who feel called by God to carry out a ministry in this unique context, and who live exemplary lives supported by prayer and service, has never been greater.”

— NAES Principles of Good Practice for School Ministry in Episcopal Schools

The NAES Mentoring Program for New Chaplains provides a unique opportunity for first- and second-year Episcopal school chaplains to work one-on-one with an experienced mentor as well as participate in in-person and online learning and conversation.


About the Program

Each new chaplain is matched with an experienced Episcopal school chaplain mentor. The program consists of:

  • A one-hour online orientation, to be held virtually on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 2pm to 3pm Eastern Time.
  • A virtual fall professional development gathering for all mentors and mentees to engage in meaningful conversations about school chaplaincy and lay the ground for the year ahead, held online on Thursday, October 5, 2023, 11am to 3pm Eastern Time.
  • Monthly mentor/mentee conversations.
  • Semi-annual check-ins with NAES staff members.
  • Access to resources about Episcopal schools, chaplaincy, and effective mentor/mentee relationships.
  • [New for 2023-2024] In-person visits for mentors and mentees (optional, learn more below).

In-Person Visits

NAES is pleased to announce a pilot program addition to the Mentoring Program for New Chaplains: in-person visits. This new program for 2023-2024 will allow mentors and mentees to hold a two-day in-person visit. This visit can be at either the mentor or mentee’s school and should include ample time for one-on-one conversations. On a needs-basis, NAES will provide travel grants to ensure access to this optional program enhancement. 


Costs and Fees

There are no costs or fees for the mentoring program.


Who May Apply

Ordained or lay chaplains beginning their first or second year as chaplain at an NAES member school are invited to apply. Applicants must be serving in at least a half-time capacity as a school chaplain.


How to Apply

There are two parts to the application for the mentoring program:

  • Part I: Mentee Application (online form to be completed by the applicant).
  • Part II: School Certification of Financial and Professional Development Support (PDF form to be completed by the applicant’s head of school or supervising administrator).
    Download form here.

Deadline to apply is August 18, 2023. Only completed applications will be considered. Applicants will be notified about participation within two weeks of the receipt of their application.


Questions?

Contact Monica Gillespie at mmg@episcopalschools.org or (212) 716-6134.