What could be more reassuring to a new teacher than having a mentor who has weathered the toughest challenges of the profession? Retired teachers can play a crucial role in supporting novice educators and help reduce high attrition rates. Penn State Abington’s Teacher Education Mentoring Program, co-led by Teri Dodaro and Boni Fernandes Wozolek, pairs recent graduates who are new to teaching with retired educators who can offer guidance, share invaluable practical knowledge, and provide much-needed emotional support. This partnership reflects the idea that teaching is a collective effort akin to raising the next generation—a village of support that extends beyond the school walls. In this photo, mentor Denise Fanella-Fischer (right) and mentee Eman Metwaly (left) engage in a meaningful exchange, exemplifying a bond that can help nurture and sustain new teachers.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Boni Fernandes Wozolek
