Skip to main content

SLU’s BEGINS Program Strengthens Support for Early Career Teachers Across St. Louis

This fall, the Saint Louis University School of Education launched an initiative to extend its support for educators well beyond graduation. The BEGINS (Building Educators’ Growth in Neighboring Schools) program provides individualized coaching, professional learning, and a supportive community for new teachers during their critical first years in the classroom.

“The BEGINS program bridges the gap between university coursework and the realities of classroom teaching,” said Gary Ritter, Ph.D., dean of the SLU School of Education. “By walking alongside teachers during their first critical years, we’re helping them grow in confidence, effectiveness, and their commitment to the profession.”

Participants sit in a classroom, looking at a screen.

Early career educators collaborate during a “Literacy in Action” session of the BEGINS program at Saint Louis University’s School of Education.

Launching a Community of Support

BEGINS brings together recent SLU graduates and local educators for regular professional learning sessions focused on research-based practices, mentorship and community building. Each session provides a space for reflection and collaboration — allowing early career teachers to connect with peers and experienced mentors who understand the challenges of beginning teachers.

Begins logo with BEGINS brings together recent SLU graduates and local educators for regular professional learning sessions focused on research-based practices, mentorship and community building. Each session provides a space for reflection and collaboration — allowing early career teachers to connect with peers and experienced mentors who understand the challenges of beginning teachers.
 

The program’s first professional learning session, led by Melissa Moussalli of the School District of University City, offered a deep dive into the science of reading and its classroom applications. Participants explored how the brain processes language, practiced instructional techniques, and discussed strategies for engaging diverse learners — turning theory into hands-on practice.

 

Partnering for Regional Impact

In its first year, BEGINS serves early career educators in Ritenour Public Schools, Maplewood Richmond Heights Public Schools, City Garden Montessori and Cardinal Ritter College Prep. 

Each partnership is grounded in a shared goal: developing confident, effective teachers who reflect and serve their communities. As the program continues to grow, SLU aims to expand partnerships to reach more schools and districts across the St. Louis region — strengthening the pipeline of mission-driven educators prepared to stay, teach and lead.

By providing sustained, relationship-based support during the most formative years of a teacher’s career, BEGINS aims to improve teacher retention, instructional quality, and ultimately, student outcomes.

“We envision a thriving network of early career educators who are equipped, supported, and inspired to grow in their practice,” said Megan Brown, director of the BEGINS program. “When we help teachers succeed, students — and entire school communities — benefit.”

 

A Commitment to Mission

Rooted in SLU’s Jesuit mission to form men and women for and with others, BEGINS reflects the School of Education’s enduring dedication to educator development, community engagement, and educational equity.

Through initiatives like BEGINS, SLU continues to invest in the future of teaching — ensuring that every new Billiken educator enters the classroom prepared, supported, and inspired to make a lasting difference.

For more information about the BEGINS program, contact the Saint Louis University School of Education at slued@slu.edu.