“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 2025–2026 Program
Each new chaplain is matched with an experienced Episcopal school chaplain mentor. The program consists of:
- A one-hour online kick-off event to be held virtually on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 2pm to 3pm Eastern Time.
- An online professional development event for all mentors and mentees, held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 11am to 1pm Eastern Time, to engage in meaningful conversations about school chaplaincy and lay the ground for the year ahead.
- Monthly mentor/mentee conversations.
- Semi-annual check-in with NAES staff members.
- Mentoring program celebration (virtual) on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 2pm to 3pm Eastern Time.
- Access to resources about Episcopal schools, chaplaincy, and effective mentor/mentee relationships.
- In-person visits (optional).
About In-Person Visits
NAES is pleased to offer a program addition to the Mentoring Program for New Chaplains: in-person visits. This program component allows mentors and mentees to hold a two-day in-person visit. This visit can be at the mentor’s or mentee’s school and should include ample time for one-on-one conversations. NAES will provide travel grants to ensure access to this optional program enhancement.
Email Monica Gillespie, NAES Associate Director, at mmg@episcopalschools.org to learn more .
Costs and Fees
There are no fees for the mentoring program. Schools are asked to release time for chaplains to participate in all program events.
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). Fillable PDF available here.
Deadline to apply is August 15, 2025. Only completed applications will be considered. Applicants will be notified about participation within two weeks of the receipt of their application.
Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to email or call Monica Gillespie, NAES Associate Director, at mmg@episcopalschools.org or (212) 716-6307.