Dr. Lynn Romeo, the Dean on the University’s School of Education, has recently announced the formation of the School of Education Alumni Mentoring Academy. This is a free program for graduates of the University’s School of Education.
The academy is a new way for the graduates to receive more experience as new teachers. During the three-year program, the graduates will be able to discuss ideas and shape dialogue. It is geared towards managing K-12 students and offers assisted evaluations of the 21st century. The academy also provides an online component with resources. Sessions are four times per year and include topics such as “Vision Building: Developing a Profession Persona – Sustaining Your Passion in an Era of Accountability” and more on strategies for establishing a successful classroom.
Some faculty and administrators are supporting the online program and the academy. According to the University Newswire, Christine Grabowski, an Alumni Novice Mentor and third grade teacher at the Middle Road School in Hazlet, sees the program as a “perfect forum for novice teachers to collaborate and learn from each other as well as from veteran teachers.” She added that the academy will allow the new teachers a look on a more professional level and the ability to be the best teacher they can be.
Megan Meier, also a University alumnus and novice teacher, told the University Newswire that she is excited to participate in the Academy. She said that a teacher is more able to grow when they learn from one another and looks forward to her chance to partake in all the academy has to offer. Coordinator of the School of Education
Linda Foster, the coordinator of the School of Education, said that the academy will be beneficial for the graduates. “Educational research indicates that professional development occurs most successfully when teachers meet on a regular basis for the purposes of learning, reflecting and sharing resources,” she commented.
Romeo said that it is important to stay connected with graduated students as they begin their journey into the work place. “We hope to provide the necessary support from [the school of educat ion’s] alumni mentors, faculty and administrators,” she said. “I hope the alumni novice teachers gain useful strategies and the support needed to flourish as teachers.” Romeo has found that new teachers benefit more from a three-year program rather than a simple state-mandated one year program.
Those interested in becoming members of the academy can contact Patricia Heaney, the Director of Student Teaching, at 732-263-5431 or email soeama@monmouth.edu.
