Last year Marigolds in the Middle, a mentoring program for new middle school teachers, was created to retain educators. The program supports new hires at each of the Billings Public Schools middle schools. The program's foundation is to provide each new middle school hire with a mentor teacher and a systemic training program in a collaborative cohort.

Research has shown that mentoring new teachers has powerful implications for teacher retention, student learning, and school-wide culture. Mentored teachers can better provide learning and support in their classroom; this positively impacts students and, in turn, our community! Teachers can feel more connected to their buildings, colleagues, and community; which develops a positive culture, and teachers choose to stay in Billings and the profession.

Billings School District is the biggest school district in Montana, and many of our new teachers are overwhelmed not only by the duties and trials of teaching but also navigating a large district. Common first-year dilemmas include classroom management, digital tools, education law, family communication, and building success criteria. Our mentoring program helps teach/mentor through these dilemmas while providing a safe network to connect theory to practice.

A group of 'seasoned' educators is leading and supporting the Marigolds in the Middle program. We would love to welcome our new middle school teachers to their first year of middle school by providing treats at our monthly trainings for new hires and a welcome to middle school box of teaching supplies. Our first event is the kick-off day on August 14, 2023 where we would like to provide a small lunch, gift cards and/or coupons, and show our support as our new middle school teachers embark on their first year of teaching in middle school.

Any size donation, gift, or supplies that can be donated are very much appreciated and will directly benefit our first-year middle school teachers in welcoming them to middle school. If you would like to give in-kind coupons or supplies, please contact the Education Foundation at foundation@billingsschools.org.

Plus, I am sure we can all remember what middle school was like and the little extra things make all the difference in the world!

Welcome to Middle School!

Team Members