To help its new faculty succeed, Kirk Day School has a dedicated mentorship program. In the spring before their first year, new teachers are matched with veteran faculty members. They meet a few times throughout the summer to go over the curriculum and more. Those meetings continue throughout the school year, and the new teachers also are observed by administration. “A teacher’s first 90 days at a school are very important,” head of faculty Debi McCracken explains. “We want to support our new faculty through the transition. Along with their mentors and peers, they can reach out to their department heads and myself.”
Fourth grade teacher Lily Penn was drawn to the school in part because of its onboarding process. “Kirk Day School doesn’t just throw teachers into a new educational setting,” she notes. “Having a mentor helped guide me through the process and gave me a deeper understanding of what to expect from the school year.” McCracken adds that the school also is dedicated to supporting its longtime faculty. “We meet regularly with mentors and provide training so they know what to expect,” she says. “It’s all part of Kirk Day School’s dedication to building a culture that both our faculty and families can trust.”
The positive environment that Kirk Day School creates benefits both students and faculty. The average tenure for teachers at the school is 14 years—a much lower average turnover rate than is usually seen. Sixth grade teacher Tim Vogel has been teaching at Kirk Day School for 27 years. He was initially attracted to the school’s strong Christian foundation, and he has enjoyed the opportunities for professional growth that have been provided to him. “I initially came to Kirk Day after college, and the culture was very inviting,” he explains. “The teachers here are a very tight-knit community, and 90% of my job is building relationships with my students and their families. The people and camaraderie are what have kept me at Kirk Day School.”
Kirk Day School’s dedication to supporting its teachers is just one piece of the puzzle of the school’s success. Vogel notes that the school curriculum is presented through a Biblical lens. “Whether it’s math, physical education or history, every subject is wrapped in a Christian perspective,” he says. Penn adds that its strong academic foundation makes the school stand out. “It’s not easy to find both academic rigor and Christian principles, but they come together at Kirk Day School,” she says. “It makes for a truly unique educational experience.”
Kirk Day School is an independent Christian preparatory school in Town and Country for children in preschool through grade six. Pictured on the cover: Sixth grade students and faculty. For more information, call 314.434.4349 or visit kirkdayschool.org.
Cover design courtesy of Kirk Day School
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton
Pictured at top: Second grade students and faculty
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton