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Inter-Generational Mentoring

NEA-Retired members through inter-generational programs with Student and Active members provide valuable leadership and constructive solutions to the challenges that face all educators and education support professionals. Across the nation, we're serving as teacher mentors and sharing our knowledge to smooth the transition for new and student teachers.

Arizona

Contact Kathy Campbell, of the Arizona Education Association-Retired for information on membership recruitment and local development programs.

Illinois

The Illinois Education Association paired its active retirees with its Student Program members.

Throughout her first year as a teacher, Kerri Gawlik, former president of the IEA Student Program, found great support in Keith Hauge, a 38-year classroom veteran, and now an NEA-Retired member.

"It's been wonderful," the 21-year-old Gawlik says of her relationship with Hauge. "Keith helps explain little things my teachers don't, so I'll be better prepared for the classroom. He gives all the free advice I can ask for."

Virginia

The Hampton Local Association, the Virginia Education Association (VEA), and VEA-Retired used $8,000 from the NEA-Retired grant program to create a successful new-teacher mentoring program. The school district and local universities have also joined the collaboration. Amy Link admits she was anxious and a little uncertain when she first stepped into her third grade classroom at Langley Elementary School in Hampton, Va. But Link didn't have to face her class alone thanks to a mentor program that pairs new teachers with retired classroom veterans.