In a profession where nearly half of all new teachers leave within their first five years, Unity Point School has created a supportive pathway to success. Since the 2007-2008 school year, the school's mentoring program has been guiding new educators through the challenges of their early career years, with Maria Deaton leading the charge for the past 12 years.

"Every new teacher who is hired in our district, regardless of the years of experience they bring in, is assigned a mentor," explains Deaton, who serves as both the school's fifth and sixth grade language arts teacher and Lead Mentor. "It is my responsibility to help them throughout their non-tenured years here at Unity Point."

The program provides comprehensive support through a carefully structured framework. New teachers begin with orientation and then enter a four-year journey toward tenure, with the most intensive mentoring occurring in years one and two.

Deaton's approach combines formal guidance with accessible support. "I always tell them that I can be their first person they come to, but I might not be the last person," she says. "If they have a question and don't know where to start, I'm where they start. And then I connect them to the best resource."

This philosophy acknowledges that while Deaton oversees the program, the entire teaching community contributes to new teachers' development. Veteran teachers on grade-level teams provide daily support during common planning periods, sharing their expertise and experience.

What makes the program distinctive is its balanced approach to professional growth. Deaton developed what she calls the "Stars and Stairs" framework: Stars celebrate what teachers are doing well, while Stairs identify one specific area for growth.

"Teachers do amazing work every single day," Deaton emphasizes. "Then we try to highlight just one stair—one thing that could take our practice from one level to the next."

Currently, Deaton mentors thirteen first-year and seven second-year teachers. Every Tuesday, substitute teacher Carolyn Swope covers Deaton's classes, allowing her to visit new teachers' classrooms, provide feedback, or lead workshops on topics like evaluation requirements.

The program adapts to different stages of a teacher's journey. For first-year teachers, the focus is on classroom management and essential procedures. Second-year teachers receive more advanced guidance, while third and fourth-year teachers can access Deaton as a resource when needed.

One of the program's most impactful components is "Learning Walks"—Deaton's favorite time of year. New teachers spend a day visiting various classrooms throughout the building, observing different grades and teaching styles.

"The learning does not go one way," Deaton says. "I might go into a pre-K classroom or a junior high classroom and walk out with a whole new perspective and respect for the teacher in that position, plus wonderful ideas I wouldn't have gotten if I stayed in my own bubble."

This cross-pollination of teaching practices strengthens the entire school. When the state funding that initially supported the program ended years ago, Unity Point's Board of Education and administration recognized its value and maintained it as an essential investment.

Though the program has evolved—particularly in response to changes in Illinois' teacher evaluation systems—its core mission remains constant: highlighting excellent teaching while providing space and support for continued growth.

For Deaton, the program's greatest strength is how it builds community among educators. "Our veteran teachers are always so welcoming to our new teachers and always willing to answer questions," she says. "I appreciate how supportive everyone is of one another."

In a profession often characterized by closed classroom doors and isolated practice, Unity Point's mentoring program opens those doors—creating pathways for collaboration, growth, and a culture where every teacher, regardless of experience, continues to learn.