Denton Creek Pre-K teacher Kendall Hogan, left, mentors fellow Pre-K teacher Caitlan Paul, right, as part of the CISD BEAM program.
Experienced teachers do more than just teach their students — they also help coach new teachers. Through CISD's Beginning Educators And Mentors (BEAM) program, veteran educators help new teachers find their footing and become exceptional in the profession by serving as mentors, guiding their newer colleagues to “nail the landing” for teaching success. The BEAM program helps CISD balance its tradition of teaching excellence by bolstering new teacher recruitment and retention, thus ensuring a stronger and more dedicated teaching workforce within the district.
Caitlan Paul, a BEAM mentee in her second year of teaching Pre-Kindergarten at Denton Creek Elementary, says having Nikki White as her mentor last year and fellow Pre-K teacher Kendall Hogan as her mentor this year enriches her journey in her professional development. Paul values the guidance and advice she has received, recognizing that collaboration and seeking insights from her mentors have been instrumental in her teaching practices.
“Challenges are inevitable in the world of education, and I have encountered my fair share,” Paul says. “My mentors have been my compass, helping me navigate the complexities of work-life balance, curriculum comprehension and the nuances of Coppell ISD.”
In their journey together, Paul has learned a lasting lesson from Hogan — the importance of communication. Effective communication is the cornerstone of their mentorship, and Paul takes this valuable skill with her wherever she goes.
“I have learned there is no such thing as over-communicating in the field of education,” Paul says.
Drawing from her extensive 11 years of teaching experience across different districts, Hogan felt compelled to join the BEAM program to fill a void she experienced earlier in her career. Hogan recognizes the value of mentorship and relishes the opportunity to provide Paul with insights, strategies and a compassionate ear.
“Participating in the BEAM program benefits me as a mentor and allows me to share my knowledge and expertise with the educational community,” Hogan says.
Hogan emphasizes the importance of an open, transparent and supportive relationship between BEAM mentor and mentee. Paul and Hogan’s mentorship relationship thrives on an open-door policy, as well as confidentiality, transparency, positivity and accountability. Together, they collaboratively approach challenges, finding solutions and planning actions to address them.
“The BEAM program is about more than mentorship,” Hogan says. “It’s about creating a network of educators who support and empower one another.”
Hogan believes the BEAM program has a transformative effect on participants and the teaching profession.
“BEAM fosters the growth of stronger, more confident, and capable educators who may, one day, become mentors themselves,” Hogan says.
According to CISD Director of Professional Learning Nancy Garvey, the BEAM program was launched about 15 years ago to help new teachers develop their skills more rapidly, while gaining insights into the workings of the district. Currently, 231 educators are participating in the program with 119 new teachers and 112 teacher mentors.
Garvey believes that mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development in education.
“The BEAM program showcases CISD’s commitment to empower its educators to become better teachers to better educate and serve our students,” Garvey says.