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GFEA says NEA-funded mentoring program boosted retention but needs new funding
Summary
GFEA presenters told trustees their three-year NEA grant-funded STAR mentorship program helped early-career teachers but the NEA funding is ending; organizers said they are seeking new grants and continuing collaboration with the district.
Leaders of the Great Falls Education Associations STAR team briefed the board on Feb. 23 about a three-year NEA-funded teacher-mentoring program aimed at reducing early-career attrition.
Tom Cubbage, GFEA president, described how STAR (Supporting Teachers through Advancement and Retention) provided training, peer mentoring, a teacher-supplies closet and monthly social and professional gatherings for early-career educators. Presenters said the NEA Excellence in Education grant has funded the program for three years but the grant period is ending; GFEA representatives said they are pursuing new grant opportunities and continuing district collaboration to sustain mentoring activities.
GFEA presenters cited local attrition data and urged ongoing support. A STAR team member summarized a five-year hiring pattern and said fewer than half of newly hired teachers remained after five years, presenting a 70% attrition shorthand figure for discussion.
Several trustees praised the program and asked whether it could continue at current levels without NEA funding. GFEA said it does not have an ongoing budget and will seek new funding sources and local business support. Trustees acknowledged the programs role in retention and expressed appreciation for the teacher-led initiative.
The board received the presentation; no formal board funding action was taken during the meeting.
