Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional growth, and our schools are fortunate to have exceptional mentors dedicated to guiding and supporting their colleagues. From elementary to high school, these teacher mentors exemplify leadership, commitment, and care.
Elementary School: Sari Dean at Pearl Sample Elementary School
Sari Dean’s mentorship at Pearl Sample Elementary School has profoundly impacted her mentees, Desiraye Carter and Janitta Cliette. Sari goes beyond simply offering advice; she organizes regular meetings to prepare her mentees for upcoming lessons and models key concepts, providing a roadmap for effective instruction.
Her detailed observations and constructive feedback have been invaluable in improving student engagement and refining teaching strategies. Sari’s support extends beyond the classroom, as she checks in frequently to ensure her mentees are managing well, offering advice and encouragement.
Desiraye Carter shares, “Sari Dean has excelled at being my mentor by sharing her knowledge, showing extreme patience, and teaching me to give myself grace. She has on more than one occasion created a ‘mock’ lesson to show me how to teach or introduce a topic to my students. Sari always makes herself available no matter what we have going on at school and she listens intently anytime I have a question, no matter how silly or small it might be. Sari has emphasized the importance of life-work balance and that teaching is a craft. She often reminds me that it gets better with time and to not worry about all the small details. It has been a pleasure working with and learning from her this year. I am grateful to have such a supportive and open mentor.”
Middle School: Becky Colicci at Floyd T. Binns Middle School
Becky Colicci, a Peer Mentor at Floyd T. Binns Middle School, goes above and beyond to support her mentees. She has sacrificed her planning block to provide hands-on guidance, modeling effective classroom management strategies, and offering thoughtful feedback after observations.
Becky’s proactive approach has been instrumental in helping her mentee, Dylan Wright, succeed in his first year of teaching. She has also extended her support to three other new teachers in the history department, including one transitioning to middle school. Becky’s unwavering commitment to her mentees’ success reflects her passion for mentoring and ensuring a strong foundation for new educators.
High School: Julia Harris at Eastern View High School
At Eastern View High School, Julia Harris serves as a mentor and the Instructional Team Leader for the math department, yet she still finds time to support her mentee, Jasmine Moctezuma. Julia’s mentorship has been a lifeline for Jasmine, who entered the classroom without formal education training.
From creating a helpful protocol document to answering countless questions, Julia has provided Jasmine with the tools and confidence to navigate her first year. She has assisted with parent communication, observed lessons, and offered actionable feedback—all while continuously reassuring Jasmine of her abilities. Julia’s encouragement and expertise have been instrumental in helping Jasmine grow as an educator.
Honoring Their Impact
These remarkable mentors—Becky Colicci, Sari Dean, and Julia Harris—demonstrate the transformative power of mentorship in shaping confident, capable educators. Their dedication, leadership, and genuine care not only uplift their mentees but also strengthen our school communities as a whole.
Thank you, Becky, Sari, and Julia, for your unwavering commitment to fostering growth and excellence in our schools!