Sayville Schools Launch Mentor Program To Support New Teachers

SAYVILLE, NY— Sayville Public Schools launched a new Mentoring Program this school year aimed at supporting new educators as they transition into the profession and build confidence in their roles.

The program pairs new staff members with experienced educators who provide guidance through regular check-ins, classroom coaching, collaborative planning, and ongoing professional dialogue. District officials said the goal is to strengthen instructional practices while helping new teachers navigate classroom management and the day-to-day demands of teaching.

Mentor-mentee partnerships are highlighted throughout the year to recognize collaboration, professional growth, and shared success. One such partnership has formed between mentor librarian Kelsey Laport and mentee Emily Trama at Sunrise Drive Elementary School.

Laport drew on her own early experiences as a librarian when stepping into the mentor role. She said those first years taught her the importance of having a trusted colleague for support, a perspective that now guides her work with Trama as she transitions into a full-time librarian position.

“Emily has shown herself to be both tenacious and resourceful,” Laport said. “Her adaptability during the transition from a permanent substitute position to a full-time role has been truly impressive.”

Trama said the mentorship has helped her feel grounded in an unfamiliar position while encouraging her professional growth. Beyond answering day-to-day questions, Laport has encouraged creative thinking, confidence-building, and stronger connections within the school community.

“Kelsey is incredibly resourceful,” Trama said. “She has an exceptional ability to maximize every opportunity and tool available, which has been instrumental in supporting my success.”

What began as a formal mentorship has grown into a professional partnership, with regular check-ins focused on celebrating accomplishments, problem-solving challenges, and learning from each other’s experiences.

District officials said the program demonstrates how strong mentorship can support individual educators while strengthening the profession through collaboration and shared success.