Connie L. Lurie College of Education Home Page

The Connie L. Lurie College of Education Alumni at San Jose State University is establishing a support organization of retired teachers that would be willing to mentor new education graduates of the college. There is a tremendous need for this mentoring, due to the fact that new teachers are not staying in the profession because they lack the support of senior teachers. Most graduates do not receive classes in classroom management skills that are essential for a successful experience. Retired professionals, indeed, have these techniques to share.

The job of the mentor would be simply sharing experiences over the phone, listening to problems, sharing how to best communicate with a parent, and perhaps a visit to the classroom prior to the opening of school, or when convenient. It can be very comforting to a new teacher to know there is someone who can listen and give positive feedback.

Right now there is no money for this new program, but there could be in the future. The Connie L. Lurie College of Education Alumni Board would handle the first contact call and then discuss this with individual educators. Then the mentor and the new teacher would be matched up. Your privacy would be respected.

If you would be interested in this program, please contact Marla Lenz, president of the Alumni Board, at
(408) 269-0608.