Overview
Mentor Centers provide participants an opportunity to observe experienced TVIs and COMS as they use a variety of strategies and materials with students on the TSBVI campus. Each participant will have the opportunity to observe between 4–6 individual VI professionals a day. Participants can come to a maximum of two Mentor Centers.
Mentor Center Schedule & Registration
Save the date for these upcoming Mentor Centers in the 2026–2027 school year! Registration information is coming soon.
- October 25–27, 2026
- February 7–9, 2027
- May 2–4, 2027
Participants
Protégés matched with a TVI and/or COMS mentor through the TSBVI Mentor Program and Texas students currently enrolled in the Texas Tech University or Stephen F. Austin State University VI/O&M programs who do not have a mentor.
Learning Objectives
- Observe students with visual impairments in a variety of learning environments.
- Keep a record of materials and strategies observed.
- Apply strategies and materials to their own students.
- Connect theory learned in coursework to actual situations in the field.
Mentor Center FAQ
Protégés matched with a TVI and/or COMS mentor through the TSBVI Mentor Program and Texas students currently enrolled in the Texas Tech University or Stephen F. Austin State University VI/O&M programs who do not have a mentor are available to attend a Mentor Center on the TSBVI campus.
Due to limited space, mentors will not be able to attend a Mentor Center.
Yes, but only once. You can come to a second Mentor Center when you are hired in a VI or O&M position.
You can come to a maximum of two Mentor Centers. TTU/SFA students who do not hold a VI position can come only once, then once again when you are hired as a COMS or TVI.
If you live more than 40 miles from Austin, TSBVI will reserve your room and pay the hotel through a direct billing process. We do not reimburse incidentals such as phone use, room service, and/or movies. Do NOT contact the hotel yourself. We get special rates and will need to make the reservation for you. A travel information form will be sent to people who register for a Mentor Center to secure information about a hotel reservation. You do not need to share a room with other participants.
That is great—as long as you can be at TSBVI by 7:30 a.m. on both Monday and Tuesday. Keep in mind that commute times during rush hour in and around Austin are significant.
Yes. The scheduling process on Sunday evening is also required. If you cannot come on Sunday, you will need to withdraw your Mentor Center registration and come at another time.
If you live over 250 miles away, you may be available for flight reimbursement up to $150. In order to be reimbursed, you will be required to get prior approval from Courtney Forman, Mentor Coordinator. We will require a copy of your airline receipt.
Yes, but you will need to find out your student’s schedule before coming, and email the student’s TSBVI teachers ahead of time to ask if you may observe. You must limit your student observation to one hour so that you can participate in all of the Mentor Center activities.
Please check with Melanie Schacht beforehand if you would like to come with a family member. Children and other guests cannot attend the Mentor Center activities.
We serve food on Sunday evening and Monday/Tuesday lunch. You will have the opportunity to note your dietary restrictions on a travel preferences form. If you notify us well in advance, we will make efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and/or a preference for a vegetarian meal. We will not be able to “fine tune” food orders beyond this. Individuals with significant and/or life-threatening food allergies should plan to provide their own food.
You will need to email and call Courtney Forman or Melanie Schacht prior to the Friday before the Mentor Center is scheduled to begin.