March 29, 2021
The International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) will launch a Mentoring and Coaching initiative in Q2 of 2021. The program offers a superior professional networking framework to connect ISFSI members for project-based and/or position-based feedback, guidance and professional growth. The initiative is designed to eliminate traditional boundaries, barrier and limitations to formal mentoring programs. Specifically, the initiative will leverage technology in an innovative and dynamic fashion to link fire service educators around the globe.
ISFSI Mentorship Committee Chair, Jesse Marcotte, Training Chief for the Northville Township (Michigan) Fire Department stated, “becoming a new instructor, assuming the role of the training officer, writing an article for a publication or submitting a presentation can be a challenging and intimidating process. During work on such goals, it helps to have a trusted network of professionals to provoke coaching, guidance and mentoring.”
“The ISFSI Mentoring/Coaching Initiative, coupled with our recently released Professional Development Matrix, is the most recent addition to our "value added" programs and initiatives designed to better enable our members to excel in their roles and responsibilities. The Mentoring/Coaching Initiative provides the structure, training, tech support, and oversight that both mentors and mentees can leverage to make the mentoring experience valuable. We couldn't be more excited about the potential these programs have to benefit our members and the firefighters they serve," shared ISFSI President Peter Van Dorpe, Retired Fire Chief, Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District.
Questions regarding this release can be sent to Leigh Hubbard, Executive Director of ISFSI at Leigh.Hubbard@isfsi.org.