The Waterville Central School District recently honored a group of outstanding new educators who successfully completed the New Professionals Academy, a comprehensive, year-long mentoring and professional learning program. Mentors and mentees came together to celebrate this important milestone and the dedication of those involved.
Photo Caption (back row left to right): Mr. Langdon, Mrs. Kilts, Mrs. Neff, Mrs. Campeau, Dr. Spring, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Perrone, Mr. Broedel, Principal Paradis. (front row left to right): Mrs. Picolla, Mrs. Lemery, Ms. Gates, Mrs. MacPherson, Mrs. Aikins, Mrs. VanWormer, Ms. Hansen.
Led by Superintendent Spring, and Ms. Hansen, the Director of Special Programs, the New Professionals Academy is designed to provide intentional support and professional development for teachers who are new to the district. The program includes monthly workshops and ongoing mentor relationships that focus on key topics such as instructional strategies, classroom management, student engagement, and navigating district resources.
Throughout the year, participants engaged in collaborative learning experiences that not only strengthened their instructional practices but also fostered meaningful connections with colleagues across the district. Regular mentor meetings provided new professionals with personalized guidance, reflection, and encouragement.
Nine educators completed this year’s program, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a passion for student learning.
“We are incredibly proud of our teachers who have completed the program,” said Waterville Jr./Sr. High School Principal Andre Paradis. “Their dedication to continuous growth not only enhances their own classrooms but contributes to the strength of our entire school community.”
The district also extends its deep appreciation to the mentor teachers, who played an essential role in the success of the program. “Our mentors, experienced educators in the district, often say they learn as much from their mentees as the mentees do from them,” said Dr. Spring. “This reciprocal exchange of ideas reinvigorates our shared passion for teaching and reaffirms our commitment to lifelong learning. We are grateful for the enthusiasm, insight, and generosity our mentors bring to this work,” she added.
The New Professionals Academy stands as a powerful example of Waterville’s dedication to supporting educators at every stage of their careers and fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence in education.
The following educators have successfully completed the academy: Katherine Aikins (Fifth Grade), Anna Altawal (Sixth Grade), McKenna Campeau (First Grade), Alexandra Gates (English), Matthew Hecht (Long-Term Substitute Secondary) Maxwell Langdon (English), Rachel Neff (Kindergarten), Michelle Van Slyke (Social Studies), and Michaela VanWormer (Third Grade).