Cheshire Teachers Learn Mentoring Skills

Six Cheshire teachers participated in a three-day training session recently sponsored by the School of Education at Quinnipiac University. The training was given to area educators who aspire to mentor new teachers in the state’s Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) Program. TEAM is a collaborative endeavor focused on student achievement that brings together beginning teachers and trained mentors.

The participants were:

• Lynn Glynn of Darcey School
• Michael Kelly of Cheshire High School
• and John Perosino of Dodd Middle School
• Patti DiGiacomo of Dodd Middle School
• Andrea DelRosso of Highland Elementary School
• Cathy Salvati of Highland Elementary School

The training offered guidance for teachers who are completing the TEAM program’s five modules for mentors. Participants also learned best practices for mentoring student teachers and developing effective coaching strategies.

“The teachers who participated in the training were selected by their districts because they have demonstrated a level of excellence in their teaching practice," said Kim Wachtelhausen, a trainer and facilitator for the state Department of Education. "Using their own expertise coupled with this professional development now allows these experienced teachers to share their wisdom with both teacher candidates and those in their first years.”