Sayville Mentoring Program Highlights Special Education Team Making A Lasting Impact

SAYVILLE, NY — Sayville Public Schools’ mentoring program is fostering collaboration, confidence, and professional growth by pairing new teachers with experienced educators across the district.

Designed to support staff during their early years in the classroom, the initiative emphasizes hands-on guidance, relationship-building, and shared learning to strengthen instruction and improve outcomes for students.

Within the district’s special education department, veteran educator Jennifer Hawthorne is serving as a mentor to new teachers Ashley Acierno and Julia Imbo. The trio has quickly formed a strong professional bond, collaborating daily and supporting one another beyond routine responsibilities.

“We’ve truly become a team,” Hawthorne said. “We support one another and share ideas constantly.”

Hawthorne said she was inspired to become a mentor after reflecting on her own early experiences as a new teacher and the challenges that often come with navigating the profession.

“I’ve learned strategies and systems over the years that make the job more manageable and rewarding,” she said. “I wanted to share that knowledge so new teachers can focus more on building relationships with their students and less on feeling overwhelmed.”

For Acierno, the mentorship has eased her transition into the Sayville district.

“Having a mentor has been incredibly helpful during my transition to Sayville,” Acierno said. “She is always willing to provide guidance and offer her help, no matter the time of day. We’ve had more phone and text conversations than I can count.”

Imbo echoed that sentiment, highlighting the practical support she receives.

“Jenn has been helping me by sharing evidence-based practices to use with students,” Imbo said. “She offers valuable advice on how to handle various situations and continually encourages me every day. I feel very lucky to have her as a mentor.”

District officials say the mentoring program reflects Sayville’s commitment to collaboration, professional development, and student-centered learning.