Monmouth University School of Education Dean, Dr. Lynn Romeo, is pleased to announce the establishment of the School of Education Alumni Mentoring Academy, a no cost resource for graduates. The Academy has been developed to provide a comprehensive three-year induction program for School of Education graduates who are novice teachers. It has created a forum for dialogue and an exchange of ideas and experiences. The academy provides guided professional development in many areas, but especially targets using data-driven assessment and 21st century teaching skills to promote K-12 student achievement. Additionally, the academy has an online component with resources and collaborative support that is provided by faculty, administrators, and Monmouth alumni or partnership district staff who are seasoned teachers and administrators.
“The Alumni Mentoring Academy program is the perfect forum for novice teachers to collaborate and learn from each other, as well as from veteran teachers.” said Christine Grabowski, Alumni Novice Mentor and 3rd grade teacher at the Middle Road School in Hazlet. “Having this academy available as a support for novice teachers will promote their personal professional development and ability to become excellent teachers in our profession.”
According to Monmouth University School of Education Mentoring Coordinator, Linda Foster, support for novice teachers should reflect two of their major responsibilities – teaching and learning to teach, and be consistent with reform-minded teaching practices that are linked to student achievement. “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” said Ms. Foster. “We hope the Alumni Mentoring Academy will provide such a forum for our graduates.”
“I am very excited to be a part of the newly founded Alumni Mentoring Academy,” said Megan Meier, Alumni member and novice teacher. It was founded to provide extra information and support for new teachers. I think the best way to grow as a teacher is to learn from one another. It provides opportunities to collaborate with other novice teachers in the field. We are able to meet throughout the year to discuss themes voted on by the members on real issues we face every day in the classroom. I look forward to the new webpage set up for us so we can communicate with one another in between the meetings.”
The first session, “Vision Building: Developing a Professional Persona – Sustaining Your Passion in an Era of Accountability” was held on November 3, 2011. Session II, held on January 26, 2012, focused on strategies for establishing an engaging, responsive, classroom environment. Future sessions are scheduled for: April 19, 2012, and June 6, 2012.
Monmouth University Alumni who are interested in becoming members of the Academy should contact Mrs. Patricia Heaney, Director of Student Teaching at 732-263-5431 or email soeama@monmouth.edu.
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Media contact: Petra Ludwig at 732-263-5507