The Grant Parish School Board is strengthening support for new educators by investing in experienced teachers through its annual Mentor Teacher Training program.

The district recently celebrated the completion of this year’s training, recognizing educators who will serve as mentors for beginning teachers during the upcoming school year.

For the past six years, Amy Merrell and Valerie Dykes have led the mentor teacher training as facilitators, helping prepare experienced educators to guide and support the next generation of classroom teachers.

According to the Grant Parish School Board, the program is built on the belief that every child deserves access to a highly qualified teacher. Through mentorship, veteran educators provide guidance, encouragement, and professional support to teachers who are new to the profession, helping them build confidence and succeed in the classroom.

This year’s graduates of the Mentor Teacher Training program are:

Karli Simmons

Mary Albouri

Laikyn Whatley

The three educators completed the training this week and are now prepared to begin mentoring new teachers across Grant Parish Schools during the 2026-27 academic year.

School officials thanked the new mentor teachers for their commitment to supporting their colleagues and investing in the success of students throughout the district.

“Congratulations to our newest mentor teachers,” the Grant Parish School Board said in a statement. “Thank you for investing in your colleagues, your schools, and ultimately, the students of Grant Parish.”

District leaders say the mentor teacher program plays an important role in developing effective educators and ensuring students benefit from strong instruction in every classroom.

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