New pre-kindergarten teachers across Georgia benefit each year from experienced educators who share their knowledge and best practices for successful classrooms. This year three Troup County teachers were selected to serve as mentors in the program.

Stacy Umfress and Ashley Tittle of Rosemont Elementary School, along with Christa Easterwood of West Point Elementary School, were chosen based on nominations from the system and professional portfolios of their educational practices.

Bright from the Start, the organization that oversees Georgia’s pre-K program, chose Umfress, Tittle and Easterwood to be among 51 experienced teachers making up this year’s mentor teacher program. Designed to offer assistance and support to professionals new to the pre-K field, the program takes a major part in the New Teacher Institute and provides structure for local teaching mentoring.

Easterwood, who has been a pre-K teacher for six of her 14 years in education, sees the value in supporting those new to the field.

“Teacher mentoring allows experienced teachers to share ideas and suggestions,” she said. “The sharing of meaningful, developmentally appropriate lessons, activities, and ideas with new teachers can provide them with the groundwork to build a successful pre-K program.”

Umfress encouraged new teachers to be flexible and not to be overwhelmed.

“Set your expectations (for students) high and early. Always plan more than you need. And always be able to change plans to meet what the children need most,” she said.

All three teachers find their work with the youngest of elementary school students rewarding and of special value.

“We get to set the tone for (our students’) entire school career,” Tittle said. “If they have a good pre-K experience, they will continue to love school as they grow older.”

During their year as Georgia pre-K mentor teachers, Umfress, Tittle and Easterwood will have the opportunity to share their experience and success in a variety of ways. Throughout the year, mentor teacher classrooms are open to other pre-K teachers for observation. Through an online blog, mentor teachers answer questions from first-year pre-K teachers.

They also share best practices through submitting articles to the pre-K teacher newsletter. A shared day of training with first-year pre-K teachers is a key part of the mentor teacher’s schedule.