When new staff members join Grayslake District 127, they’re not just starting a job; they’re becoming part of a community.
This year, that sense of connection is being strengthened in a new way through the District’s ESP (Educational Support Professionals) Mentor Program, led by coordinators Paulina Pliego and Jenny Garza.
Designed to support staff from their very first day, the program pairs new ESP team members with experienced colleagues who can guide, support, and connect them, not just to their role, but to the people and culture of D127.
While mentoring has long been part of the experience for certified staff, this is one of the first structured efforts focused specifically on ESP team members.
“For a long time, there were a lot of opportunities for teachers to connect and grow,” said Garza. “But ESP staff often work behind the scenes. This program is about making sure they feel included, supported, and confident from the start.”
That support starts with the basics, navigating a new building, understanding daily routines, and knowing where to go for help, but quickly grows into something more meaningful.
“It's not just about showing someone where to park or where to eat lunch,” Garza said. “It’s about making sure they know they belong here.”
For Pliego, the impact is deeply personal. When she first joined the District, she didn’t have a clear starting point or built-in support system.
“I remember wondering, ‘Where do I fit? Who are my people?” she said. “That’s what we want to prevent. We want every new staff member to know exactly where they belong and who they can turn to.”
Through the mentor program, that sense of belonging is intentional.
Mentor-mentee pairs connect regularly, offering guidance, answering questions, and building relationships that often extend beyond the workplace.
“We’ve seen pairs go out to lunch together and become real friends,” Pliego said. “It’s more than just work, it’s community.”
Now in its first year, the program has evolved quickly thanks to feedback and collaboration.
“It’s been a lot of learning as we go,” said Garza. “But that’s been the best part, we’ve had the flexibility to build something that truly works for our staff.”
Mentors come from a wide range of roles across both schools, reflecting the diversity of ESP positions in the District, from paraprofessionals and administrative assistants to hall monitors and department support staff.
Even when mentors and mentees don’t share the exact same role, the connection still matters.
“We all share common systems, expectations, and experiences,” Pliego said. “And sometimes it’s even more valuable to learn from someone in a different role.”
While still new, the program is already making a noticeable difference.
“We’ve received messages from new staff saying, ‘Thank you for making my first month such a great experience,’” Pliego shared. “And mentors are saying how meaningful it is to support someone else.”
Garza added that the impact shows up in everyday interactions.
“You can feel it in the energy,” she said. “People are more connected. They’re more confident. And that carries into how they support students.”
When staff feel supported, students benefit.
“If you know someone has your back, you show up more confident,” Garza said. “And that translates directly into better support for students.”
At its core, the ESP Mentor Program reflects a larger commitment across D127: valuing every role and investing in every staff member.
“I think it shows how important every position is in our schools,” Garza said. “From hall monitors to administration, everyone plays a role in helping our schools run and supporting students.”
Pliego agrees and sees the program as a way to help staff grow within the district.
“You’re not alone here,” she said. “You can grow, learn, and build your future in D127, and there will always be people here to support you.”
Throughout April, D127 will continue to celebrate the impact of this program by highlighting mentor/mentee pairs across the district.
Follow along on our social media channels as we share their stories, experiences, and the connections that are helping make D127 stronger, together.