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Building Success Together: The Transformative Power of Peer Mentoring for Early Career Agents

Early Career Development

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Catherine Whitehead
ANR & Livestock Agent 1
UF/IFAS Extension
Starke

Abstract

A hiring freeze that resulted from the 2020 Pandemic led to ten new Extension Agents across programmatic areas starting work for UF/IFAS Extension’s Northeast District between April and September of 2021. They completed the UF/IFAS New Agent Academy in the fall of 2021 and are submitting mid-career review packets in the spring of 2024.  In the Spring of 2023, these 10 agents identified a need for support and collaboration among peer agents going through the promotion process. A plan was developed to meet monthly beginning in September through February when mid-career reporting packet submissions were expected. This group's goal is to provide peer-to-peer mentoring and expand the mentor base of all agents involved. Also, the group hopes to deepen the professional support and camaraderie of the agents involved to reduce agent turnover in the first six years of service.  A series of five monthly dates were identified and scheduled. Agents divided up dates and planned individual agendas where participating agents could have time for shared wisdom and mentorship from tenured agents familiar with the promotion process, have an opportunity for reflection and feedback from peers, and have dedicated time to work on their report. After the success of the initial five meetings, the agents involved decided to continue meeting on a semi-annual basis to further develop as a group. Additional plans include extending the invitation to participate to all early career agents in the district and offering support to those who form their own cohort specific group.  The group’s primary outcome has been reduced anxiety over the mid-career review process for the agents involved. Additionally, the group’s interactions have strengthened the relationships between participating agents and expanded professional opportunities for cross-programmatic collaboration. Long-term, the group hopes to show an impact in the retention rates of early career agents in extension.  

Authors: Elizabeth (Lizzie) Catherine Whitehead, Katie Jones, Peyton Beatty, Jessica Emerson, Emily Beach, Stephen Jennewein, Bailea Scarborough, Mary Lee Sale, Cynthia Nazario-Leary, Tonya Ashworth
  1. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Catherine Whitehead ANR & Livestock Agent 1, UF/IFAS Extension Bradford County, Florida, 32091
  2. Katie Jones 4-H Youth Development Agent I, UF/IFAS Extension Suwannee County, Florida, 32064
  3. Peyton Beatty Community Resource Development Agent 1, UF/IFAS Extension Clay County, Florida, 32043
  4. Jessica Emerson 4-H Youth Development Agent I, UF/IFAS Extension Levy County, Florida, 32621
  5. Emily Beach Agriculture & Natural Resources II, UF/IFAS Extension Lafayette County, Florida, 32066
  6. Stephen Jennewein Agriculture and Natural Resources/Small Farms & Alt Enterprises Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension Duval County, Florida, 32254
  7. Bailea Scarborough 4-H Youth Development Agent I, UF/IFAS Extension Bradford County, Florida, 32091
  8. Mary Lee Sale 4-H Youth Development Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Florida, 32669
  9. Cynthia Nazario-Leary Environmental Horticulture Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Florida, 32669
  10. Tonya Ashworth Environmental Horticulture Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension Duval County, Florida, 32254