Stockton University Launches Program to Practice Mentorship Initiative

Stockton University launched a mentorship initiative on Nov. 11 to connect aspiring educators with New Jersey’s most distinguished classroom professionals.

The “Program to Practice” aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and the realities of modern classrooms by pairing Stockton education students with County Teachers of the Year. This initiative seeks to connect future teachers with mentors currently working in the profession.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from accomplished educators that have been acknowledged for their expertise and their exceptional practice,” Stacey Culleny told Stockton University.

Culleny serves as the co-chair of Stockton’s undergraduate Teacher Education program and moderated a kickoff panel featuring 14 County Teachers of the Year from across the state. The discussion focused on the practicalities of the job, including building student relationships and managing professional responsibilities.

Connecting students to veteran expertise

While university professors provide the academic foundation for teaching, this new program introduces a layer of informal, field-tested guidance. David Fuentes, dean of the School of Education, said that the initiative is designed to complement the existing academic support students receive from faculty.

By engaging with professionals already working in New Jersey classrooms, students can seek advice in a less formal setting. These interactions are intended to help them prepare for the specific challenges they will face during their first years in the field.

“Our goal with Program to Practice is to create an informal mentorship program where a relationship can grow and follow you into your first and even second year of teaching,” said Carly Broomhead, a 2023 County Teacher of the Year from Absecon.

Broomhead emphasized that the program is built to be flexible, requiring no extra coursework from the students. Instead, it focuses on fostering open and honest conversations that can extend well beyond a student’s time at the university.

The impact on new educator retention

The timing of this program addresses a critical period in a teacher’s career: the transition from student to full-time professional. Many new educators face significant hurdles in their first two years, a period that often determines whether they remain in the profession long-term.

Morgan Johnson, a Liberal Arts major with an Elementary Education and K-6 certification, found the opportunity to speak with outsiders particularly valuable. Johnson, a resident of Salem County, noted the importance of hearing passion from professionals in a field that is frequently criticized.

“I think having the opportunity to reflect with someone who is unbiased is a really great advantage,” Johnson told Stockton University.

The program also highlights the success of Stockton alumni who have returned to support the next generation. Christa Delaney, a teacher at Egg Harbor Township High School, participated in the panel and shared how her Stockton education prepared her for the classroom.

Delaney, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies in 2004 and a degree in Teacher Education with certification in Biological Science in 2005, highlighted the university’s emphasis on classroom management and student teaching as key components of her preparation.

Following the panel discussion, students participated in a reception to connect individually with the visiting educators.