New teachers encouraged to stay with grants

But the marketing major worked in business before entering the classroom.

She needed some extra help.

She and 17 other Collier County teachers were surprised Monday with a little something extra: $1,000 grants enabling them to pair with experienced teachers.

Education Foundation of Collier County officials announced the winners inside the teachers' schools. Each beginning and veteran teacher duo received $1,000 for a project to enhance student learning.

Wagner will work with her school's reading coach, Regina Smith, on strategies to help the novice teacher's 23 first-graders read.

After a stint in marketing, Wagner decided to become a teacher under the alternative certification program, which allows people from nontraditional backgrounds to become teachers.

"I wanted to feel something inside," said Wagner, 24, about her decision to switch professions.

More than a year ago, foundation officials asked teachers what they needed, listened to their concerns, and came up with the mentoring program.

"They wanted time to work together, especially first-year teachers," foundation President Susan McManus said.

The mentoring program was designed so that new teachers with fewer than five years' experience would continue their careers and also bring renewed enthusiasm to veteran teachers.

Many new teachers, officials said, leave the classroom within the first five years because of frustration and isolation.

Shadowlawn Principal Tim Ferguson said the collaboration will help keep new teachers, such as Wagner, in the profession.

"It's especially important with all the new teachers that are coming into the district," he said.

The other teachers to receive mentoring grants were:

-- Jennifer Briggs and Beth Davis at Pelican Marsh Elementary;

-- Sharon Camp with Julie Bolock, Molly Brabyn with Kelle Cryderman, and Arliss Perriello with Samantha Lewis at Naples Park Elementary;

-- Linda Robitaille with Kelly Diskin, Laura Heald with Pamela Bailey, and Cherri Lynn with Kelly Livingston at Vineyards Elementary;

-- Nancy Austin and Emily Larsen at Laurel Oak and Naples Park elementary schools.