Sayville Public Schools Maintains Strong Mentoring Program for New Educators

Sayville Public Schools' Mentoring Program—which pairs new staff members with experienced educators dedicated to their professional growth and success—continues throughout the 2026-2027 school year. Through regular check-ins, collaborative planning, and ongoing professional dialogue, mentors help new staff navigate the expectations of their roles and settle confidently into the school community.

In October, the district highlights two partnerships: special education teacher Shannon Voyack and social worker Lisa Ventimiglia at Sayville Middle School, along with math teacher Nicole Teufel and world language teacher Chesly Lievano at the elementary level.

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At Sayville Middle School, veteran special education teacher Shannon Voyack stepped into the mentor role out of a

desire to support her colleagues. Her mentee, Lisa Ventimiglia, joined the school this year as its new social worker.

"I love the idea of helping any teacher get their footing," said Ms. Voyack. "It can be extremely overwhelming starting a new school year in a new place, and being able to make sure that someone feels settled and looked out for is important to me."

For Ms. Voyack, mentoring is as much about human connection as it is about guidance. Her favorite part of the program is having dedicated time to get to know a new colleague, and her advice to Ms. Ventimiglia has been to never hesitate on asking any and all questions.

The pair meets weekly, and those check-ins have helped Ms. Ventimiglia learn the culture of Sayville Middle School and the district as a whole.

"She has been wonderful," said Ms. Ventimiglia. "She checks in on me, we meet weekly, answers all my questions, offers help when she can, and is so patient and lovely."

At the elementary level, Cherry Avenue math teacher Nicole Teufel is mentoring Chesly Lievano, a new World Language teacher who works across all three of the district's elementary schools: Cherry Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and Sunrise Drive.

For Ms. Teufel, becoming a mentor was a natural decision rooted in gratitude for her own early career. "I chose to become a mentor because of the experiences I had with mentor teachers when I was a young teacher starting out," she said. "I learned so much from many amazing colleagues who were incredible role models. I want to be able to be that same exemplar to a teacher starting out."

For Ms. Lievano, having a trusted guide has made all the difference. Ms. Teufel tailors her advice to her mentee's background and strengths, including sharing ideas for Hispanic Heritage Month that draw on Ms. Lievano's roots in Colombia.

"Nicole gives me advice on what I should do and how I should do it. She really wants me to succeed and shares what has worked for her in the past," said Ms. Lievano. "It is nice to have someone with experience that I can go to when I have questions."

Together, these partnerships show how strong mentorship helps new staff feel valued, supported, and ready to give their best to students every day.

For more information on the Sayville Union Free School District, visit the district's website at sayvilleschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saydistrictpr.