Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/615432
"What we have learned is going to make a difference for every math student at Latin," she said. "It is not just going to help the kids who struggle; it's going to do wonders for them. But the opportunities within Singapore Math also will allow those kids who have not felt challenged at certain points to go to a deeper level." Mentors in Excellence For veteran science teacher Geraldine Schmadeke and recently hired math teacher Rana Gasser, the most rewarding component of participating in Latin's teacher mentorship program was the friendship they were able to build during Gasser's first year at the school. Friendship aside, as a mentor Schmadeke also was able to play an important role in supporting Gasser as she acclimated to Latin and grew as a teacher in the classroom. "In your first year, it can be really easy to isolate yourself in your classroom," said Schmadeke, remembering her start at Latin nine years ago as one of only two women in the Science Department. "It is so busy that you feel like you need to just put your head down and get through it. You are alone as an adult in your classroom, and sometimes it is hard to remember that you can reach out to your colleagues for support." Schmadeke felt like she could make a difference for Gasser by helping her understand how Latin works but also by providing feedback and affirmation as well as serving as a sounding board. "I wanted Rana to feel heard," she explained. For many years mentorship at Latin was more of an informal relationship among colleagues, usually in the same department. In 2014, with funding from the Teacher Excellence Grant, Director of Studies and Professional Development Elizabeth Denevi and middle school English teacher Jen Nabers developed a program for junior kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers based on mentorship work Denevi had done at the Beginning Teachers Institute in Washington, D.C., and research coming out of Harvard Business School and the Center for Research on Learning at University of Kansas. e mission of the program, which is open to any teacher who is new to Latin no matter how many years of experience they have, is "creating conversations" that support excellence in the classroom and that help teachers who are new to Latin expand their awareness, confidence and skill level in a collegial setting. "Our goal is to help teachers understand the culture and climate of Latin, because we know from the research that when teachers can successfully navigate an organization, they are more likely to stay. We also know that when teachers, just like our students, feel seen and known, they are able to be more successful in the classroom. It allows them to be their best professional selves." Bringing structure to the program ensures that everyone sets aside the time to do this work no matter how busy school gets. Mentors are required to go through an application process and commit fully. e program includes an orientation for all mentors and mentees, a year-long training that focuses on giving and receiving constructive feedback, a mid-year retreat for discussion and reflection as well as Rana Gasser and Geraldine Schmadeke. 24