Rookies decide to continue providing support and encouragement for first-year teachers during the pandemic by providing a meal and treat bag. 

The Rookies club is a place that is full of encouragement and support for the new teachers around the Abilene area. This club is for the graduates that stay in touch in Abilene. 

Rookies was started by Dr. Jill Scott and Dr. Stephanie Talley, two professors in the Department of Education. This club has been active for around seven years. 

Once a month, professors from ACU meet with novice teachers to discuss problems and provide advice to teachers who are struggling. Professors also provide a boxed meal for the teachers, providing them with community. 

“50% of teachers tend to leave the school system, causing students to suffer,” Talley said. 

During the pandemic, teachers are able to drive up and interact with professors from their cars, while abiding by the COVID-19 guidelines. Teachers were able to park and get out of cars as well if they wanted to discuss anything further. 

“One of our grads turned to me and had tears in her eyes. I let her talk, but after I reminded her of the ESL course she took and the steps to working with English language learners,” said Dr. Dana Mayhall, associate education professor.

The grad student was able to recover and smile, she just needed someone to remind her of what she already knew. 

Looking towards the future in October, Talley plans on having a boxed meal with a socially distant picnic.