curriculum collection

Welcome to the Mentor Toolkit! You’ve already made a difference by signing up to mentor with Adopt A Class, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Think of this page as your home base—a central spot for everything you need to feel confident and prepared. Here you will find training materials, activity ideas, important forms, and the tools to track your progress. We're excited to partner with you to make a lasting impact.

  • Mentor Portal Sign-Up:
    The first step is to create an account for the Mentor Portal. REGISTER HERE. Need help with your account? For step-by-step instructions on how to set up your account, click HERE.

    The Mentor Portal is where you will manage your team and log your classroom visits.

  • Keys to a Successful Teacher Partnership

    A strong relationship with your classroom teacher is the foundation of a great mentoring experience. Keep these three principles in mind:

    • Establish Clear Communication At the beginning of the year, ask your teacher what communication method works best for them—be it email or a school-approved app. Using their preferred channel respects their time and builds a strong partnership from day one.

    • Create a Consistent Schedule Predictability is essential for both teachers and students. Whenever possible, work with your teacher to set a routine for your visits (e.g., "the second Thursday of every month"). This consistency helps the teacher integrate your time into their lesson plans and gives students a reliable event to look forward to.

    • Fill the Need: Share your overall plan with the teacher at the beginning of the year and ask if s/he has specific areas where you can enhance their classroom curriculum. Meeting the students where they are developmentally and socially is also important. Your teacher is your biggest resource here.

    • Click here to view the Adopt A Class Curriculum Collection:  Create your own lesson plans based on ideas from your company or search our Curriculum Collection for grade-specific lesson plans and activities, icebreakers, team-builders, and subject-specific exercises.

  • AAC Merchandise & Apparel

    Adopt A Class has partnered with Queen City Spirit to offer you the opportunity to purchase custom merchandise and apparel. Items are great for mentor teams, teachers, principals, and other partners of Adopt A Class.

    In addition to our simple branded merchandise, you can co-brand your order by having both your organization’s logo and the Adopt A Class logo on the same garment! Click the link below to explore your options.

    Adopt A Class Merchandise & Apparel Website

  • Your second and most important step before you begin mentoring each fall is to ensure the safety of all students in the program by signing our Safety & Security Agreement in the Mentor Portal.

    This agreement must be signed by ALL mentors before entering a classroom.

  • Team Communication & Planning

    Effective teamwork ensures your classroom visits are smooth and impactful.

    • Schedule & Share: Treat your classroom visits like important meetings. Schedule them on your calendar and invite your entire team, including your Adopt A Class liaison. Keeping us in the loop helps us support you and share your team’s great work.

    • Plan Ahead: Before each visit, hold a brief planning meeting. Discuss the upcoming activity and decide who will lead each part. A clear plan helps your team work together seamlessly in the classroom.

  • Click here to view our guidelines for visiting the classroom.

  • MARKETING GUIDE

    Adopt A Class encourages your company to share about your involvement externally. See below for all marketing needs, as well as tips and tricks!

    Do’s & Dont’s

    DO’S

    • DO: Post and/or Repost from your company’s social media accounts.

    • DO: Tag Adopt A Class, your school, and the school district in your social posts.

    • DO: Include the Adopt A Class logo in your social posts.

    DON’TS

    • DON’T: Post from your personal social media account.

    • DON’T: Post photos of students who aren’t allowed to be photographed.

    • DON’T: Include students name’s in your post.

  • Classroom Management & Student Engagement

    These strategies will help you create a positive and productive environment for learning.

    • Follow the Teacher’s Lead: The best way to manage the classroom is to support the teacher's established routines. Observe their methods for gaining attention and use the same cues.

    • Embrace Small Groups: After introducing the day's activity, break students into small groups of 3-4. This approach makes it easier to manage discussions, encourages quieter students to participate, and allows for more meaningful, one-on-one connections.

    • Safety First: A teacher or school representative must always be present in the classroom during your mentoring session. Mentors should never be left alone with students.

  • Click here to review our guide to review our field trip guide.