SASD Teacher Mentor Program Wraps Up Successful Year
May 1, 2024
Last fall, the Sheboygan Area School District welcomed over 65 new teachers. As part of the onboarding process, teachers were matched with a mentor and participated in a revitalized New Teacher Mentor program. Mentor teachers provide support for their mentees throughout their first year, and the pairs also attend fun and informative quarterly support meetings. The meetings provided training based on feedback, time for mentors and mentees to connect on various topics, and also built in some light-hearted fun.
At the winter meeting, attendees sported very creative and festive holiday apparel! During the final group gathering of the year, our mentors and mentees enjoyed ice cream treats from Sweet Escapes and the sunshine in addition to training sessions.
The mentor and mentee engage in lighthearted activities that foster connection and relationship building. In addition to fun, the program offers valuable guidance, support, and the opportunity for idea exchange between them.
Maggie Hafertepe, a first-year teacher at Warriner High School, expressed her gratitude towards the program and her mentor, Timmy Kong, who has worked in the District for the last 13 years. As co-workers in a small school like Warriner, Maggie can reach out to her mentor as needed throughout the school day. However, she felt the scheduled quarterly meetings allowed them to carve out time to work together. She also felt that the opportunity to collaborate with other new teachers and mentors was beneficial.
This is Timmy’s third time serving as a mentor, and he noted that additional support materials were shared this year and that it was “really beneficial for the newer mentors and all of our mentees."
In a large district, not all mentors and mentees work in the same school, like new staff member Courtney Athorp, a Data and Instructional Coach at Pigeon River and Lincoln-Erdman Elementary Schools, and her mentor, Diane (DeeDee) Wolowicz, who serves in a similar role at Cleveland and Wilson Elementary Schools. The quarterly sessions provided time for the pair to connect.
Reflecting on her experience, Courtney shared, “The Mentor/Mentee program provided many wonderful learning experiences at our meetings, and it also built in time for the mentors and the mentees to get to know each other.”
‘Not only was I a newcomer to the district, but I was also moving into an uncharted career change as a data and instructional coach,” Courtney said. “I am deeply grateful that my principals paired me with DeeDee, another data and instructional coach, even though she wasn't in my building, because DeeDee shared the ins and outs of the job, her already developed resources, and her warm smile, which made me feel right at home. Thank you, SASD Mentor/Mentee Program, for a wonderful first-year experience.”
Hallie Theune is a first-year math teacher at South High School and participated in the program as a mentee. She shared, “As a first-year teacher, the mentor/mentee program was a really fun way to incorporate what would otherwise be some unorganized routine check-ins. The program allowed for meaningful conversations with my mentor and me to reflect on our school year, all while keeping the activities light and fun. I'm really thankful that the scheduled seminars kept me accountable in taking the time to reflect regularly, which I probably wouldn't have done otherwise.”
Hallie was a Sheboygan Area School District student for her entire K-12 career, attending Wilson Elementary, Farnsworth Middle and graduating from South High School. “It has been really fun to give back to the community by teaching in the district that I grew up in!” Hallie said.
Hallie isn’t the only first-year teacher working at an SASD school she attended. Autumn Smith attended Pigeon River Elementary School, completed her student teaching experience there, and is now working there as a second-grade teacher.
"Getting to work in the district I grew up in has been a very impactful experience. Looking back at the education I received and all the teachers I received it from (some with whom I currently work with!) makes me even more grateful to have been lucky enough to have grown up in this district," said Autumn.
"Being part of the mentor program made me feel extremely welcomed and proud to work where I do. There was never a time where I felt like I couldn’t ask a question or just get advice from someone I know who truly cares about my success. It was very valuable to be able to meet with others who were in the same position as me and to be able to share similar struggles and successes."
“Attracting new teachers and helping them build a successful career in the Sheboygan Area School District is a high priority for us,” said Jami Hinz, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. “It’s especially rewarding to see former students return to our classrooms as teachers.”
The SASD Mentor Program is led by Clarissa Ramos, Principal at Pigeon River Elementary School, who served as the Mentor Coordinator, and Mary Meyers-Wenninger, an 8th-grade teacher at Urban Middle School, who is the Lead Mentor. They did a fantastic job leading this program and guiding the mentors in their role.
“We are incredibly thankful for Clarissa and Mary’s leadership and are so proud and grateful to our exceptional group of mentors for helping our new teachers flourish in their first year at SASD!” said Jami.
Mentoring within schools promotes teacher retention and consistency among educators. It helps new teachers adapt to the school climate and culture and provides opportunities to exchange teaching strategies that work.
SASD mentors receive a $500 stipend and start with a training session to ensure they are prepared and comfortable in their role. The mentors and mentees participated in three in-person professional development sessions throughout the school year.