Meet Crystal Boddy, a former paraprofessional at Allegan Area ESA. Crystal is now embarking on her Apprenticeship Year at Talent Together, working side-by-side with her mentor teacher in a special education classroom. In her first month, she is already getting meaningful at-bats with new skills, like writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Crystal’s story highlights how mentors, districts and Talent Together work together to prepare Teacher Candidates to confidently lead their own classrooms.

Apprentice-Mentor Relationship

The Apprentice-Mentor relationship is at the heart of Talent Together’s apprenticeship model. 

Although Crystal is just beginning her apprentice experience, she is already drawing inspiration from her mentor. “My mentor teacher is the one that I would base [my future classroom] on. Her classroom is open, welcoming, and honest, and those are things that I love.”

From the beginning, Crystal’s mentor established a structured coaching relationship using Talent Together’s Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Standards. “My mentor gave me a document listing all of the things that I need to make sure I am covering, and, for me, that helped. I can look at and decide to see how we are going to meet the requirements together instead of just winging it and having someone just check up on me once in a while.”

This direct on-the-job coaching gives Crystal the confidence to tackle new challenges in ways that would otherwise not be possible. “I like that aspect of having support around me – how [Talent Together] is helping lead [my mentor] and she is helping me.” 

For example, writing an IEP is daunting for many new teachers. But Crystal is already working closely with her mentor on this new skill: “My mentor showed me how and I did a large section. It was a lot, but she helped me navigate the system. I was most concerned about doing the IEPs so I loved having that support.”

Strong District Partnerships

School administrators play a central role in facilitating the apprenticeship year, and Allegan Area ESA has been an exceptional partner.

Thanks to her school leaders, Crystal has had authentic experiences participating in school-wide routines. “So far, the principal has been very supportive. She made sure I was always sitting next to my mentor and immediately invited me to all of the teacher meetings. My mentor started including me in all emails [our school leaders] send.”

As Allegan Area ESA invests in Crystal’s development, Crystal looks forward to her continued service at the organization where she’s already deeply embedded. “I really respect all of the staff members at Allegan Area ESA. They have been so supportive, from the superintendent to the principal and other staff members. I can really see myself making a career here.”

What can Crystal offer as a piece of advice to future candidates? “If you need support, Talent Together is there for you. If you just follow the steps, you are going to be just fine.”