What step should teachers take first to promote the success of a collaboration for a student mentoring program?

The first step teachers should take to promote the success of a collaboration for a student mentoring program is developing a set of shared goals and expected outcomes for the program. Establishing shared goals is crucial because it aligns all participants with a common vision and purpose. This foundation ensures that everyone involved understands the program's aims and can work collaboratively toward achieving the desired results.

By clarifying expectations and outcomes from the outset, the group can make informed decisions throughout the process, ensuring all activities and responsibilities correlate to those goals. When participants are on the same page regarding what they hope to achieve, they are more likely to engage meaningfully, foster effective collaboration, and commit to the program's success.

The importance of this step cannot be understated as goals serve as a guiding light throughout the initiative, impacting subsequently identified criteria, assigned responsibilities, and effective leadership.