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    We are pleased to support this project through the collaboration between Florida International University and Miami-Dade County Public Schools' Office of Professional Development and the Division of Special Education.

Greetings from Denise and Magda

Project GATE goes National!

Project GATE is about successful, collaborative relationships: Relationships between MDCPS, FIU, the Local PDP Council, and the FLDOE. However, the most important relationships in GATE are those between the mentors and mentees. Many have developed meaningful friendships beyond the classroom. Recently, GATE personnel have had two opportunities to share with others the impact of Project GATE on mentees and mentors alike.

In November 2006, Dr. Patricia Barbetta, Ms. Melanie Morales, and Ms. Lisa Barrocas (a Project GATE Mentor since the inception of the program) presented at the national conference of TED (Teacher Education Division of CEC) in San Diego, CA. Their presentation titled, "Project GATE: A Collaborative University/District New ESE Teacher Mentoring Project," was designed to share information about the mentoring project with other higher education professionals. The presentation discussed the collaborative efforts between MDCPS and FIU, the history of the project and implementation procedures. Finally, the presentation focused on the retention data and successes

for the teachers who have participated in the project. The presentation was well received and participants were impressed with the project outcomes.

In December, 2006, Dr. Barbetta and Ms. Morales participated in a nationwide conference call with representatives from universities, State Department of Education, and from federally funded projects that focused on retention of special education teachers. Only two mentoring projects were highlighted during this conference call and Project GATE was one of them. Dr. Barbetta and Ms. Morales shared the highlights of the mentoring project and answered questions about it’s implementation.

Phoebe Gillespie from the Personnel Center at National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Inc. reviewed critical components of a high quality mentoring program. Based on the rubric presented, Project GATE met the proficient level for designing and evaluating mentoring programs. It was an honor for Project GATE to be showcased in such a positive manner in a nationwide forum.

So, as was said by Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Your mentee/mentor interactions and successes as special education teachers are making a difference! Keep up the excellent work.

> Former engineer becomes top rookie special educator
Rafael Mendiola gave up an engineering career to nurture children with disabilities, and in his first year of teaching was named Miami-Dade's Rookie Special Education Teacher by the Miami Council of Exceptional Children chapter. Mendiola, who now uses his technical expertise to help his first- to fifth-grade students integrate technology into their education, learned to teach in part by tutoring factory colleagues in reading, basic math and basic science. The Miami Herald (5/21)

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