Welcome, Support, Thrive: Teacher Mentorship
January 22, 2025 – January is National Mentoring Month, and in Hamilton County Schools, mentorship is the foundation of how we support and grow great teachers. Through the School-Based Induction and Mentoring Program, we ensure new teachers are welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive in their classrooms. This program is a reflection of our district’s deep commitment to teacher success and retention, further demonstrated by the enthusiasm and passion shown by every mentor and leader involved in it.
The program started in 2018, led by Erin Kirby as the program leader and with help of many mentors like Emily McCulley, who is the district-wide new teacher coach, and has been involved since the beginning. Starting off in the program as a Lead Mentor , she is now guiding new teachers at her school and matching them with Support Mentors for individualized help. Each school in the district has a Lead Mentor who personalizes support to meet the needs of their staff, fostering a sense of connection and community. This school based approach allows the mentors to teach the new teachers exactly what they feel is relevant to their individual schools and new teachers.
The mentorship begins with New Teacher Academy, where teachers new to the district attend workshops on classroom management, self-care, and other strategies they can use right away. “They learn things they can take and use the next day,” explains Erin, one of the program leaders. These sessions ensure teachers continue to feel confident every day as they step into their classrooms.
Once the school year begins, mentoring continues at the school level. Teachers with less than three years of experience are paired one-on-one with a trained Support Mentor, while those with two to six years of experience are grouped together to support one another. This ensures novice teachers receive the focused guidance they need while more experienced teachers can contribute to a collaborative learning environment.
Lead Mentors also organize monthly New Teacher Network meetings, providing time for new teachers to connect, share experiences, and learn best practices.
“If you’re connected, you’re going to stay,”
Erin emphasizes, underscoring the importance of fostering relationships within the school community. Here new teachers can mix with other mentors which can give them even more insight. They connect on class dynamics and various tips and tricks that they have learned throughout their teaching careers. What makes these meetings so helpful is that the experienced teachers have been through the same challenges the newer ones are facing, so they can offer advice that really works for those specific situations.
The program’s flexibility allows mentors to tailor their approach based on individual teacher needs. Whether it’s pulling resources from an onboarding toolkit, offering ready-made professional development, or organizing gatherings at local restaurants, the program ensures teachers feel seen and supported. Some schools even incorporate restorative practices or relaxation sessions to help teachers recharge.
This program is also a “welcome wagon” for experienced teachers who are new to the district, ensuring they feel supported as they adjust to a new environment. By focusing on teaching practices rather than specific subjects, mentors offer guidance that is relevant to teachers across all grade levels and disciplines.
The results speak for themselves. Teacher retention has soared from 74% before the program began to 91% last year. Beyond the numbers, the program is drawing educators to the district. “People are coming to us saying, ‘I came to Hamilton County because I knew what type of new teacher supports y’all had,’” shares Erin Kirby, the induction coordinator for the program.
The mentorship program also has ripple effects, with other departments, like special education and counseling, creating their own mentor initiatives. This collaborative spirit strengthens the district’s culture and creates a network of shared learning and support.
For teachers, mentorship is more than just guidance—it’s about belonging. And for students, it means being taught by educators who are confident, supported, and equipped to inspire. As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, we recognize the incredible work of our mentors and the real difference in the relationships they build. Together, we’re not just helping teachers succeed; we’re shaping the future of education.
If you are a new teacher and want to join one of the amazing sessions you can check out their events calendar here.
