Mentor Program

🎯 Our Mission

The Jackson Public Schools Mentoring Program is committed to supporting new educators through high-quality mentorship grounded in trust, collaboration, and growth. We empower mentors to guide, inspire, and retain our next generation of excellent teachers.

Meet the Program Lead

Dr. Jessica Vaughn

Manager of Talent Strategy & Support

Dr. Vaughn leads the New Teacher Mentoring Program and supports districtwide efforts focused on mentor development, novice teacher support, and educator retention. She works closely with JPS mentors to strengthen coaching practices, build meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, and ensure new teachers feel connected, supported, and prepared to grow.

Meet the Team

Lead Mentors

Mekael Carpenter

Forest Hill High School

Regina Carpenter

North Jackson Elementary

Kanitra King

Lanier Junior High School

Joni Moore

REAP

New Teacher Mentors

Bethany Philipp

Bailey APAC

Rose Wright

Bailey APAC

Nikita Hamilton

Bates Elementary

Tisithia Knotts

Bates Elementary

Kedra Pope

Blackburn Middle School

Tanisha Walker

Blackburn Middle School

Christy Davis

Boyd Elementary

Della Gillespie

Brinkley Middle School

Amber Spriggs

Brinkley Middle School

Gabriel Ballard-Stewart

Callaway High School

Dr. Jordan Ramirez

Callaway High School

Arlethea Deese

Cardozo Middle School

Eric Durden

Carodozo Middle School

Shelia Johnson

Casey Elementary School

Devonta Rawls

Career Development Center

Stephanie Hamilton

Clausell Elementary School

Dr. Kierra Garner

Elementary Network I

Barbara Griffith-Edwards

Elementary Network I

Terrica Jenkins

Elementary Network I

Dr. Dominique McInnis

Elementary Network I

Ashley Johnson

Elementary Network II

Jamie Profice

Elementary Network II

Barquita Stanton

Elementary Network II

Krystal Beard

Forest Hill High School

Dr. Betty Epps-Dixon

Forest Hill High School

Dominique Harris

Galloway Elementary

Ladi Bell Harris

Green Elementary

Remona Posey

Green Elementary

LaTonya McGowan

Isable Elementary

Susan Bender

Jim Hill High School

Shannon Proby

Jim Hill High School

Merry Chris Delcano

JITC Mentor

Lance Montebon

JITC

Emelda Visaya

JITC

Shanice Bell

Jackson Middle College

Amanda Terrell

John Hopkins Elementary

Andrea Harris

Johnson Elementary

Genea' Erby

Key Elementary

LaQuita Sykes

Kirksey Middle School

Michelle Walker Talley

Kirksey Middle School

LaTisha Jackson

Lanier Junior/Senior High School

Dashundra Royal

Lanier Junior/Senior High School

Kacy Helling

Mentor

LaTonya Horton

McLeod Elementary

Erica Joyner

McLeod Elementary

Ashley Rogers

McWillie Elementary

Jennifer Baker

Middle School Network

Dr. Sophia Marshall-Chapman

Murrah High School

Glen McInnis

Murrah High School

Constance Keys

North Jackson Elementary

LaKeisha Holmes

Northwest Jackson IB Middle

Katory Williams

Provine High School

Monique Mapp-Gray

Shirley Elemenary

Raven Lowe

Spann Elementary

Maya Rush

Spann Elementary

Crystal Moncrief

Timberlawn Elementary

Arnisha Jones

Wilkins Elementary

Dr. Courtney White

Wilkins Elementary

Joseph Frost

Wells APAC

What We Do

JPS Mentors serve as a consistent source of support, guidance, and encouragement for new teachers throughout the school year. Mentors build trusting relationships with their mentees, provide practical support with classroom routines and instructional practices, help teachers navigate district and school expectations, and create opportunities for reflection and professional growth.

Through regular check-ins, coaching conversations, and ongoing collaboration, mentors help new teachers build confidence, strengthen their practice, feel connected to the JPS community, and successfully navigate their first year.

Questions about the Mentor Program?

Contact Dr. Jessica Vaughn for program guidance and support.

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