Sayville Schools' Mentoring Program Helps New Educators Find Their Footing

SAYVILLE, NY — Sayville Public Schools is continuing its mentoring program for the 2026-27 school year, pairing new staff members with experienced educators to help them navigate their roles and become part of the school community.

Through regular check-ins, collaborative planning and professional guidance, the program aims to help new educators build confidence and develop relationships with their colleagues.

This October, the district highlighted two mentor-mentee partnerships: special education teacher Shannon Voyack and social worker Lisa Ventimiglia at Sayville Middle School, and Cherry Avenue math teacher Nicole Teufel and world language teacher Chesly Lievano at the elementary level.

At Sayville Middle School, Voyack, a veteran special education teacher, became a mentor to help new colleagues adjust to their surroundings. Her mentee, Ventimiglia, joined the school this year as its new social worker.

"I love the idea of helping any teacher get their footing," Voyack said. "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."

Voyack said one of her favorite aspects of mentoring is having dedicated time to get to know a new colleague. She encourages Ventimiglia to ask questions whenever she needs guidance.

The two meet weekly, giving Ventimiglia opportunities to learn more about the school's culture, expectations and resources.

"She has been wonderful," Ventimiglia said. "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, Teufel is mentoring Lievano new world language teacher who works across the district's three elementary schools: Cherry Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and Sunrise Drive.

For Teufel, the decision to become a mentor was inspired by the support she received from experienced educators early in her own career.

"I chose to become a mentor because of the experiences I had with mentor teachers when I was a young teacher starting out," Teufel 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."

Teufel also incorporates Lievano's personal background and strengths into their conversations, including sharing ideas for Hispanic Heritage Month that connect with Lievano's Colombian roots.

Lievano said having an experienced colleague to turn to has helped her navigate her new position.

"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," Lievano said. "It is nice to have someone with experience that I can go to when I have questions."

District officials said the partnerships reflect the mentoring program's broader goal of fostering collaboration, building professional relationships and ensuring new educators feel supported as they begin their work in Sayville schools.