Steve Hernandez, Sun Prairie Area School District
Steve currently works as a New Teacher Mentor for the Sun Prairie School District. Prior to this, he taught High School Science for seven years at Sun Prairie High School. He did not come into teaching immediately after college. Instead, he earned a degree in Conservation Biology at UW Madison and worked in a microbiology lab (among other jobs) for several years before he took a substitute teaching position. It was then that he felt he found his true calling. He truly enjoys his current role collaborating with his new colleagues and supporting them in their professional growth. He finds this position to be (much like teaching) both challenging and rewarding. He has recently moved to Fitchburg and in his spare time enjoys mountain biking, running, cross-country skiing, and cooking. E-mail Steve
Deb Larson, Sun Prairie Area School District
Deb is a New Teacher Mentor for the Sun Prairie Area School District. This will be her 3rd year as a full release mentor, and 17th year in the education profession. Prior to mentoring she taught 3rd and 4th grades in both Sun Prairie and Lodi, Wisconsin. Deb received her bachelor’s degree from UW-La Crosse and Master’s in Special Education from UW-Madison. She is currently working toward a Master’s Degree in Administration and Curriculum and Instruction through Cardinal Stritch University. Deb looks forward to supporting the professional development of new teachers associated with the Dane County New Teacher Project. E-mail Deb
Fonda Lewis, Stoughton School District
Fonda is currently a second grade teacher at Sandhill Elementary in the Stoughton Area School District. She is returning to the classroom after a three year position as the Stoughton District Mentor, which allowed her to work with K- 12 educators new to the profession. This mentorship in her District along with her participation with the Dane County New Teacher Project has allowed her to gain knowledge in current induction practices, best instructional practices for the classroom and equity issues within educational settings. In Fonda’s free time you may find her playing with her son Jayce and her Labradors at a local dog park. E-mail Fonda
Shawdi Nesbit, Sun Prairie Area School District
Shawdi is in her 3rd year as a New Teacher Mentor for the Sun Prairie School District. Prior to this position, she taught science and reading at Patrick Marsh Middle School in Sun Prairie for 12 years. She earned her teaching degree from UW-LaCrosse and a Master’s Degree in Professional Development from Cardinal Stritch University. Recently, she returned to school to work on a Master’s Degree in Administration and Curriculum and Instruction. She enjoys working with new teachers because of the energy, enthusiasm and insight they bring to the profession. She looks forward to meeting new teachers from all over Dane County through the Beginning Teacher Seminars. E-mail Shawdi