Educational ProtEgE Program is an essential program for school districts hiring college graduates, transferring-in teachers, second career potentials, and remediation teachers. Proteges will participate in engaging training, self-assessments, and collaboration. The program provides guidance, support, and encouragement for teachers to be effective in their teaching. Promotes professional growth through self-reflection. Encourages positive and trustworthy relationships with colleagues and administrators. Confidentiality, communication, and time commitment are expectations. With puzzle pieces in place, this viable program will increase professional growth and confidence, effective teaching, and retention. The program has mentor and administrator expectations as well.

About the Author Leatrice D. Williams, M.Ed. has taught for 33 years, retired, returned as a long-term sub for a half year, an Explore and Physical Education Coordinator for two years, and has retired again. Throughout her tenure, she has been union president for four terms, on multiple committees, and has received a variety of awards. Williams' support and cheerleaders are her three adult children, two granddaughters, and fiancee. She's an advisor of a youth organization called Youth Change Makers founded by two of her students. She participates in many community service ventures. "FOR ME, TEACHING IS THE MOST REWARDING PROFESSION THERE IS AND I WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR ANY OTHER PROFESSION IN THE WORLD."