Starting college as an education major can feel both exciting and overwhelming. That’s why Flagler College’s Education program faculty have developed a new initiative to make the transition a little easier.
From Saint to Saint: Teach It Forward is a unique mentorship program that pairs junior interns and seniors with incoming education students, helping them navigate the challenges of college life and the rigors of preparing to become a teacher.
Building Community from Day One
The program grew out of professional development courses that already brought together students at different levels. This fall, under the leadership of Dr. Sandra Davis, professor and Coordinator of the Elementary Education program, that collaboration expanded into a formal mentorship program. Twenty-two upperclassmen volunteered to serve as mentors, eager to support their younger peers.
For mentors like senior math education major Hope Siner, the chance to guide new students feels especially meaningful. “I can give them advice on preparing for exams, taking tough classes, and reaching out to professors,” Siner said. “Freshman year was a tough transition for me, so I’m excited to help others feel more prepared and supported.”
Mentees say that kind of support is invaluable. Madeline Bielman, a local student who transferred into Flagler this year, noted how helpful it is to connect with someone who understands the demands of the program. “Math education is one of the more intensive majors, so I’m hoping this will help me stay organized and succeed,” she said.
Mentorship in Action
The relationships can be as simple as grabbing lunch in the dining hall, checking in by text, or sharing tips about coursework. But over time, the goal is much bigger: to form lasting professional friendships that carry into life after graduation.
Senior Brooke Buckley, an exceptional student education major, said she looks forward to creating those connections in her field. “There aren’t many of us in this major, so having that bond across classes is really important,” she said. “I want to share advice I wish I’d had starting out—how to balance classes, life, and the unique challenges of being an education major.”
First-year students are already seeing the benefits. Bernice Orellana, who is pursuing exceptional student education, said she’s eager for guidance on the major’s upper-level classes and how to prepare for the road ahead. Another mentee, Katie Madison, added: “Special education is so important and often overlooked. I want to be part of this program to learn and grow, and I love that we already have mentors to guide us.”
A Culture of Paying It Forward
The program doesn’t stop at supporting new students. Mentors also share internship tips, résumé strategies, and advice on the job search—ensuring graduates enter the classroom confident and career-ready. Many mentor–mentee pairs are expected to stay connected well beyond graduation, continuing to encourage each other as they begin teaching careers.
Ultimately, From Saint to Saint: Teach It Forward is about more than coursework. It’s about building a community of educators who support, inspire, and lift each other up. As Dr. Davis explains, “Our goal is that these students become graduates who form lifelong connections beyond Flagler. It’s about creating a network that keeps giving back.”
With every new pairing, Flagler is not just preparing teachers; it’s cultivating leaders who will shape classrooms and communities for years to come.
📷Photo Credit: Veronica Zimmerman
