Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University's School of Education launched Program to Practice, a new mentorship opportunity connecting future educators with some of New Jersey's most recognized teachers.

The initiative connects Stockton education students with County Teachers of the Year who can offer firsthand advice, share classroom experiences and provide guidance as students prepare to enter the teaching profession.

The program kicked off Nov. 11 with a panel discussion featuring 14 County Teachers of the Year from across New Jersey. Moderated by Stacey Culleny, co-chair of Stockton's undergraduate Teacher Education program, the discussion addressed balancing professional responsibilities, building relationships with students and preparing for the challenges of teaching.

Students then had the opportunity to ask questions and connect individually with the educators during a reception.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from accomplished educators that have been acknowledged for their expertise and their exceptional practice," Culleny said.

David Fuentes, dean of the School of Education, said the initiative complements the guidance students receive from Stockton faculty.

“While students have access to Stockton professors who guide them through their academic and professional preparation, the new initiative provides an opportunity to connect with experienced teachers working in New Jersey classrooms,” he said.

These relationships offer students a less formal setting to ask questions, seek advice and gain insight from professionals already navigating the field.

Carly Broomhead, a 2023 County Teacher of the Year, explained that the goal is to buildrelationships that can extend beyond students' time at Stockton and into their early teaching careers.

"Our goal with Program to Practice is to create an informal mentorship program where a relationship can grow and follow you into your first and even second year of teaching," Broomhead, of Absecon, said. "The highlights of this program are that it's very flexible, there's no extra work you have to do and it's nice to have open and honest conversations with someone like we had tonight. This program is to complement the supports you have here at Stockton."

Several Stockton alumni were among the panelists, including Christa Delaney, a teacher at Egg Harbor Township High School. Delaney graduated from Stockton in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Teacher Education and certification in Biological Science.

Delaney reflected on how her experience at Stockton helped prepare her for the classroom, particularly through the program's emphasis on classroom management and student teaching.

Morgan Johnson, a Liberal Arts major with an Elementary Education and K-6 certification, said having the opportunity to speak with someone outside of her immediate academic environment was especially beneficial.

"I think having the opportunity to reflect with someone who is unbiased is a really great advantage," said Johnson, a Salem County resident. "I think it's nice to hear people talking so passionately about their career when so often this field gets talked down on. It was really inspiring.”

-- Story and photos by Abbigail Erbacher