The Shadow
LOW MOOR, VA (VR) — Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is strengthening its support for new educators with the appointment of Sara Zeek as the division’s mentor.
Zeek will work with new teachers throughout the school year, helping them become familiar with AHPS curriculum, resources, and expectations while providing practical guidance as they develop their classroom practice.
The position brings Zeek back to where her teaching career began. She started at Alleghany High School in 1994 and has spent more than 30 years teaching English at schools and colleges throughout the region, including Lord Botetourt High School, Covington High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Mountain Gateway Community College. She returned to AHS in 2024 after retiring from Roanoke City Public Schools in 2023.
Her career has included teaching English at the high school and college levels, including Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses. She has also led professional development for fellow educators and presented at state and national education conferences.
Zeek’s experience as a mentor began early in her career. She completed mentor training through Virginia Tech’s clinical faculty program and later served as a mentor to teachers in Botetourt County. Throughout her career, she has mentored new teachers, supervised student teachers and teacher candidates, and helped develop mentoring programs for educators.
Zeek earned National Board Certification in English Language Arts and has received the Virginia High School Teacher of Excellence Award and the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Teacher of the Year award.
As AHPS’ division mentor, Zeek will provide professional learning, coordinate mentoring opportunities and work with principals and instructional coaches to identify and address teachers’ needs. She will also model effective instructional practices and connect teachers with resources that support student learning.
Zeek will help new teachers understand the requirements they need to complete for state licensure, providing practical information about expectations and helping them stay on track throughout the licensure process.
Cynthia Morgan, AHPS Director of Instruction, said the program is designed to ensure new teachers have support from the beginning of their careers in the division.
“We want our new teachers to know that they are part of a team,” Morgan said. “They have people here who are ready to listen, answer questions, share ideas and help them grow. Sara will play an important role in making those connections and helping our teachers feel confident and supported.”
Zeek’s position is part of AHPS’ three-tiered mentoring program. The division mentor supports teachers across the school division, while school mentors work directly with new teachers in their schools. Buddy teachers provide peer-to-peer support, helping educators navigate school processes and connect with resources. Principals and other division administrators also provide coaching, support, and evaluation based on each teacher’s individual needs.
Together, the three levels create a support network for teachers as they become part of the AHPS community.
The mentoring program supports key priorities in the AHPS Strategic Plan, including student engagement, future-ready learners, and communication and community engagement. Funding for the division mentor position was included in the school board’s operating budget as part of its goal to provide ongoing support for new educators.
Morgan said the program is intended to support teachers beyond the initial process of learning a new job.
“When teachers feel supported, they are better positioned to focus on what matters most, building relationships with students and helping them succeed,” Morgan said.
“We are committed to growing great teachers and creating opportunities for every student to thrive,” Morgan said. “We are excited to welcome Sara into this role and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our new teachers and, ultimately, our students.”
