For Caitlyn Clark, the Parent Mentor Program at Lincoln School in Macomb isn’t just an initiative—it’s a transformational way to bring parents into the learning process, strengthen school communities, and even launch careers.

Caitlyn serves as a Parent Mentor Coordinator at Lincoln School, overseeing a statewide program newly introduced to Macomb’s rural schools. Through the initiative, parents are matched with teachers, where they volunteer in the classroom for 100 hours. Along the way, they receive training, experience, and—once they reach their hour goal—a stipend to acknowledge their contribution.

“It’s an incredible way to bring parents and guardians into the school environment,” Caitlyn explains. “They assist teachers, work with small groups of students, and even help children who need extra one-on-one support. In return, parents gain valuable classroom experience—some even go on to become paraprofessionals or pursue education careers.”

The program isn’t just about observation; parent mentors take an active role in the classroom.

"They might lead reading groups, assist with math activities, or work individually with students who need extra guidance," Caitlyn explains. "Sometimes, teachers even have them step outside the room with a student to give them focused support in a quieter setting."

For many parents, what starts as volunteering turns into a pathway toward a career in education.

“One of our mentors just hit 100 hours last semester, and now she’s working toward her paraprofessional license,” Caitlyn says. “She’s already built connections with the teachers and students, and now she’s one step closer to a career in education."

With support from the school district, parents can even receive financial assistance for licensing fees, removing barriers that might otherwise stand in the way.

The real impact of the program goes beyond just classroom support—it helps parents gain confidence, skills, and connections that can lead to permanent positions in the school.

“The best part is that these parents are already familiar faces in the school,” Caitlyn says. “By the time they’re ready to apply for jobs, the teachers and administrators already know their work ethic, their skills, and their ability to connect with students."

That familiarity often gives parent mentors a competitive edge over outside candidates applying for similar roles. “Instead of hiring someone from three counties away, the district has the chance to bring in someone who has already demonstrated their ability in the classroom,” she adds.

Beyond the career-building benefits, the most powerful part of the program is the impact on students whose family members are involved.

“I see it every day,” Caitlyn says. “When a student sees their mom or dad volunteering in their classroom, there’s this unspoken sense of pride. They feel seen, valued, and connected to their school in a deeper way.”

While most of the volunteers are women, Caitlyn and her team are actively working to recruit more father figures.

“We would love to have more father figures involved, but often, scheduling is a challenge,” she admits. “Many dads are working full-time jobs, which makes it harder for them to commit to volunteering. But when we do get them in the classroom, you can see the difference it makes.”

Caitlyn’s journey into education and school community-building wasn’t one she originally planned.

She grew up in Bushnell, attended Western Illinois University, and initially pursued a career in social work. But when she found herself deeply involved in Macomb’s schools—volunteering, substitute teaching, and serving on the PTO—she realized her passion was in education.

“I didn’t expect to love working in a school as much as I do,” she says. “But every day, I walk into Lincoln, and it just feels like home.”

For Caitlyn, the Parent Mentor Program is more than just a job—it’s a way to build stronger connections between families, schools, and the larger community.

“It’s rewarding in ways I can’t even explain,” she says. “This program is giving parents a purpose, helping teachers feel supported, and, most importantly, showing students that their education matters—and that their parents are right there beside them, cheering them on.”