The College of Education’s Larry and Barbara Efaw Center for Educator Excellence, in partnership with the Multicultural Center, launched the Educator Alumni Mentor Program in fall 2024 with 42 education students and alumni mentors. This program is designed to guide first year, second year, and transfer students with a focus on first-generation students and is open to any education student who believes they can benefit from this leadership development program.
This program pairs future teachers with Illinois State University alumni teachers, creating a network of support. Navigating the complexities of academics, professional development, and personal growth can feel overwhelming without the right support.
“The Education Alumni Mentorship Program is more than a retention initiative; it’s a pipeline for building a diverse and dynamic community of educators,” said Dr. Becky Beucher, director of the Efaw Center. “By connecting first-generation students to experienced professionals, the program emboldens participants to envision the many possibilities within education—whether as classroom teachers, leaders, or innovators. It’s a chance for students to foster connections, develop transferable skills, and expand their professional network.”
What sets the Education Alumni Mentor Program apart is its all-inclusive approach to mentorship. This is an experience that focuses on the individual and uses a guiding framework informed by Dr. Tara Yosso’s work on community cultural wealth. Participants are encouraged to leverage their community and cultural resources, ask questions, and explore the kind of teacher they aspire to be.
The program’s structure is designed to be flexible, ensuring both mentors and mentees can participate without feeling overwhelmed. Matches are made based on shared goals and interests. From an optional pre-semester meet-and-greet to four virtual meetings participants schedule throughout the academic year, the program provides many different opportunities for growth. Mentees receive tailored advice on everything from time management to professional development, while mentors have the option of earning professional development hours and learning more about being a mentor. Thoughtfully matching mentees and mentors together helps ensure both parties walk away feeling impacted.
“At its core, this mentorship initiative is about more than just teaching students about surviving—it’s about equipping them with the skills to thrive. The program inspires participants to see themselves as leaders and changemakers in education,” said Beucher.
The Efaw Center is currently seeking Illinois State teacher education alumni who are interested in becoming mentors for the 2025-26 school year. If you are interested in learning more about being a mentor, please complete the Alumni Mentor Interest Form.