Mentorship Program for Graduate Assistants

Discover yourself and grow professionally through mentorship

Are you ready to take your graduate assistantship journey to the next level? Unlock your potential through our Mentorship Program. This project offers you the unique opportunity to be guided by experts who are deeply invested in your growth. 

Whether you're exploring career paths, building your skills, or simply seeking clarity in your goals, this program provides a supportive space to learn, reflect, and evolve. The benefits of mentorship are vast and often immeasurable to say the least! Grow in confidence, clarity, connection, and have a deeper understanding of your strengths and aspirations.

Division of Graduate Studies

Why Enrolling?

  • Personalized guidance from 2 experienced mentors
  • Real-world professional development opportunity
  • A community of driven peers
  • Opportunities to lead, collaborate, and innovate
  • A chance to grow not just as a student, but as a future leader

This is more than an assistantship—it's a launchpad for your future and for standing out amongst others. 

Information for Mentees

  1. Enroll
  2. Attend Session I:
    • Option 1 on Sept 9, 4-5 pm CT
    • or Option 2 on Sept 16, 4-5 pm CT
    • If unable to attend Option 1, choose Option 2
  3. If unable to attend Session I, watch the recordings here.
  4. Do the Mid-Point self-check form.
  5. Attend Session II:
    • Option 1
    • Option 2
    • If unable to attend Option 1, choose Option 2
  6. If unable to attend Session II, watch the recording here.
  7. Report your fall mentorship hours to your supervisor.
  8. Continue for Spring 2026.
  9. Attend Session III
  10. Do the Final self-check form.
  11. Submit your spring mentorship hours to your supervisor.

Information for Supervisors

  1. Attend the information session
  2. Ensure you consider the fall mentorship hours as part of the work hours.
  3. Submit the mid-point check in Dec.
  4. Ensure you consider the spring mentorship hours as part of the work hours.
  5. Complete the final check and GA reporting in May.

Mentorship Forms

Enrollment Form

Meet your Mentors

Dr Pearman headshot

Dr. Cathy Pearman

Dr. Cathy J. Pearman is a Professor of Teaching, Learning, and Developmental Sciences at Missouri State University, where she also serves as the MSEd Literacy Program Coordinator and Dean’s Fellow for State Leadership. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Arkansas, Dr. Pearman brings over three decades of experience in literacy education, teacher preparation, and educational leadership. Her scholarship spans numerous peer-reviewed publications focusing on literacy, technology integration, and teacher self-efficacy. A recipient of multiple awards—including the Missouri Association of College Teacher Educators' Advocacy Award and the President’s Service Award from the Association of Teacher Educators—Dr. Pearman is a nationally recognized leader in teacher education. She has presented extensively at international, national, and regional conferences.

Nancy Gallavan headshot

Dr. Nancy Gallavan

Dr. Nancy P. Gallavan is Professor Emerita of Teacher Education at the University of Central Arkansas and a nationally-recognized leader in teacher preparation, cultural competence, and classroom assessment. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum Leadership and Multicultural Education from the University of Denver, Dr. Gallavan has held faculty and leadership roles and has authored and edited over 20 books and nearly 200 peer-reviewed publications. She has received numerous honors, including the Hans C. Olson Distinguished Teacher Educator Award and the Presidential Service Award from the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE). A prolific presenter and mentor, Dr. Gallavan continues to shape the field through her scholarship, coaching, and service on editorial boards and national commissions.