An ATIXA Tip of the Week by Judy Prutzman, J.D., Director of Civil Rights Compliance, Washoe County School District
Stepping into the role of a Title IX Coordinator was a leap into the unknown for me. Coming from a background in employment law, I had no prior experience with Title IX work. This was a completely new field to learn, and I was eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible. Thankfully, opportunities to grow and resources like mentorships were available, which made the transition smoother.
One of the pivotal moments in my early days as a Title IX Coordinator (TIXC) was finding my mentor, Heather Cowan, from Albuquerque Public Schools. Through ATIXA’s Mentor Match program, I also connected with a co-mentee, Lys Strom, from Santa Clara Unified School District, creating a small but impactful network of support.
The Value of Mentorship
Starting out, I had so many questions—many of them operational, such as “How do I handle specific day-to-day scenarios?” These weren’t the kinds of things I could easily research online or find in job manuals. While I was confident in my ability to find facts and research legal issues, I valued the “how-to” knowledge of experienced professionals. I wanted tips, tricks, and practical insights—the answers to all the unspoken, “I feel silly asking” questions. My mentor provided those insights, sharing tried-and-true methods as well as technical guidance that made sense in real-world scenarios. It reinforced the importance of learning from others who have walked the path before you.
My Introduction to ATIXA
Before starting this role, I hadn’t heard of ATIXA. My predecessor had maintained a membership, and when my employer asked if I wanted to continue it, I agreed. That decision proved invaluable. One of my first experiences with ATIXA was attending a training event in San Diego, where I completed three courses, both on foundational topics and more advanced, nuanced ones. At this training, I connected with my co-mentee, an interaction that kicked off an inspiring and supportive professional relationship. Both my co-mentee and I, who were new to the Title IX field but familiar with the legal side, found the training to be a game-changer.
Building Meaningful Connections
One of the unexpected benefits of the mentorship program was building a strong connection with my co-mentee. We first met at the San Diego event and bonded over dinner as we shared experiences and challenges. This relationship turned into an instant source of support. While the mentor-mentee relationship was key, having a peer in a similar position with whom I could share experiences and advice added tremendous value. Even after the formal mentorship period ended, we continued connecting, which highlights the ongoing impact these relationships can have.
Advice for Future Mentees
If you’re considering becoming a mentee, my advice is simple: Do it. The investment of your time is minimal compared to the wealth of knowledge and support you’ll gain. It’s an invaluable opportunity to ask the questions you can’t find answers to anywhere else and learn from someone who has navigated the same challenges.
How Programs Like Mentor Match Grow the Title IX Field
ATIXA is at the forefront of advancing the Title IX field, offering invaluable tools and opportunities to collaborate with professionals in similar roles. For me, programs like Mentor Match exemplify this commitment by providing not just training materials but also personal connections that enrich the learning experience.
Features like the listserv and conferences provide a constant stream of timely and practical knowledge. For example, when our district faced its first Title IX lawsuit shortly after I’d started my role, I turned to guidance from ATIXA faculty. Their advice led us to take proactive measures, such as arranging for TNG to conduct a climate study at one of our district’s high schools. This strategic decision came directly from insights I gained at the San Diego training.
What Makes a Great Mentor or Mentee?
For a mentorship to work well, both mentors and mentees need to bring something to the table. Mentees should have a clear sense of what they want to learn, even if they’re new to the role. It’s essential to at least know what questions to ask. I started my mentorship about two months into my job, giving me time to pinpoint the areas where I needed guidance.
Mentors, on the other hand, should have substantial experience and a breadth of cases under their belt. My mentor not only had years of experience but also brought in-depth insights from a large school district, sharing real-life anecdotes that gave life to the technical aspects of the work. More than just longevity in the field, it’s about having the depth and diversity of experience to provide actionable advice.
Grow Your Support Network
Mentorship programs like ATIXA’s Mentor Match truly showcase how collective expertise can benefit individuals and the broader Title IX community. From providing real-world knowledge to fostering lasting professional relationships, these programs are a vital resource for anyone looking to grow in this field. If you’re new to Title IX or considering mentorship as part of your professional development, I highly encourage you to explore the opportunity.
At ATIXA, we know our members make great mentors. We encourage interested individuals to apply as mentors or mentees in the next cycle. To learn more about the Mentor Match program, visit www.atixa.org/mentor-match.