Rossville Consolidated School District implemented a Mentor-Mentee program for teachers new to the district at the beginning of the school year. The program was designed to support and nurture new teachers in the district. Grounded in the district’s mission to provide rich academic opportunities in a trusting community environment and foster a positive, self-reliant mindset, the program underscores Rossville’s commitment to students’ and educators’ growth and development.
Recognizing teachers’ pivotal roles in shaping students’ educational journeys, Rossville Schools prioritizes its teaching staff’s support and professional development. The Mentor-Mentee program is a testament to this commitment, providing new teachers to the district with dedicated mentors who offer guidance, support, and invaluable insights into the art of teaching.
“Our district firmly believes that effective mentoring is essential for the success and retention of new teachers,” stated Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna. “By investing in our educators and fostering meaningful relationships, we are not only enhancing the professional growth of our teachers but also enriching the learning experiences of our students.”
The mentors were selected for their experience, skills, and dedication, playing a vital role in guiding and supporting new teachers through their initial challenges and successes. With responsibilities ranging from collaborative planning to emotional support, mentors serve as role models and advocates for their mentees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
“Our mentors are not just seasoned educators; they are champions of our shared mission and values,” emphasized Rossville Elementary Principal Chad Dennison, “They exemplify the spirit of collaboration, empathy, and dedication that defines our district, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions to our educational community.”
As the Mentor-Mentee program continues, the positive impacts of mentorship on teacher development, student achievement, and the overall culture of excellence within the district have been noted. Brent Tonsoni is in his first year as a teacher, transitioning from the role of an Instructional Assistant. Tonsoni stated, “Having a mentor has helped me tremendously in my transition to a full-time teacher. Especially in my current role as a Special Ed teacher, with all the paperwork that comes along with my job, it is super helpful to be able to ask my mentor any questions whenever they come up. I have learned so much from Mrs. Swan and am looking forward to learning new things daily. I wouldn’t know what to do at times if I didn’t have a mentor helping me through this school year. I am a big fan of this program Rossville has put together.” Tonsoni’s mentor teacher, Randi Swan, echoed the value of the program by saying, “The mentor-mentee program allows us to help teachers new to the profession as well as the opportunity to help veteran teachers that are new to Rossville. Even with teaching experience, it can be overwhelming to learn the procedures of a new school.”
The program was established to help all teachers that came to Rossville. Jason Newhouser said it well, “Meeting with my mentee, Evan North, has been mutually beneficial. Our mentor-mentee program is robust and fosters an environment where the new-to-Rossville teachers feel supported, and the mentors can reflect on their own practices. As a 22-year veteran teacher who has taught in a few districts, this is the best mentor-mentee program I have ever been a part of.”
Finally, Beverly Ploughe, a veteran teacher at Rossville, expressed the benefits to both parties by stating, “This program has been just as valuable for us as the mentors as I hope it is for the mentees. We help them navigate what it means to be a Rossville Hornet and help guide them through challenges. They bring in new ideas and keep our teaching fresh. It’s a win-win!”
Rossville Schools are committed to enhancing staff performance to have students better prepared for the future. The Mentor-Mentee program is just one component to help Rossville Schools fulfill its mission. Rossville Consolidated School District is committed to providing students rich academic opportunities in a trusting community environment. With a focus on fostering a positive, self-reliant mindset, Rossville Schools empower students to excel academically and thrive as engaged citizens in an ever-changing world.
Article written by Rossville Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna.