VSAT’s commitment to supporting all school staff and strengthening school communities
By Stephanie Brown Tarnowski, Ph.D.
In the Mount Olive Township School District, the Veteran Staff Advisory Team (VSAT) has become a cornerstone of support for educators, educational support professionals (ESPs) and all district staff members. The group fosters collaboration, shared wisdom and strong professional relationships across schools. As a veteran educator and leader of VSAT, I spearheaded this initiative, which serves as a vital resource for staff throughout the district. With support from our superintendent, Dr. Sumit Bangia, VSAT has continued to grow and evolve since its creation in August 2023.
Mentoring, professional development, and school culture
VSAT is composed of staff members with over 20 years of service in Mount Olive Township schools. The team’s mission is to tap into the collective knowledge and experience of veteran staff while also supporting new members as they transition into the district. VSAT serves as a sounding board for concerns and a forum for collaboration focused on improving school culture, communication and instructional practices—all while fostering a strong sense of community.
One of the primary ways VSAT supports new staff is through two unique committees:
The Marigold Buddy Committee
This relationship-based program—separate from the district’s official mentor program—pairs veteran staff members with newcomers. The goal is to offer guidance, share day-to-day tips, answer questions, provide regular check-ins and foster a welcoming environment. The “Marigold Effect,” as coined by author Jennifer Gonzalez in Find Your Marigold: The One Essential Rule for New Teachers, represents being a supportive and nurturing presence in the school community—much like the marigold flower that helps nearby plants thrive.
The Marigold Seed Committee
This group focuses on behind-the-scenes communication and inspiration. It creates and distributes a monthly newsletter for all district staff that includes helpful tips, motivational quotes and ideas for building a positive culture.
Both committees share the same goals: to support all colleagues, build connections, share wisdom and grow together.
VSAT’s influence extends beyond staff support and professional guidance. In the 2024-25 school year, the Districtwide Elementary Articulation Committee, a VSAT subgroup, worked to strengthen communication and collaboration between schools and grade levels. This committee organized meaningful grade-level meetings during professional development days, allowing teachers to address shared challenges, align curriculum and exchange effective classroom strategies. These sessions empowered teachers, encouraged professional growth and promoted a unified approach to teaching and learning across the district.
Beyond staff support and professional development, VSAT also plays a pivotal role in shaping district culture. The team helps organize social events such as retirement celebrations, dress-down days and holiday gatherings that bring staff together. Members also provide practical guidance on school procedures, classroom management and communication with parents—helping new staff feel confident and supported as they settle into their roles.
VSAT advocates for clear and consistent communication between staff and administrators, bridging gaps and amplifying staff voices through surveys and focus groups. These efforts have led to initiatives such as the development of buddy systems and improved transition support for new employees.
Putting research into action
This work aligns with one of my personal goals, outlined in the “Implications for Future Research and Policy” section of my doctoral dissertation, completed in 2021. In that research, I examined the professional lives of veteran teachers over the course of three decades. One of the key findings was the remarkable dedication, resilience and expertise these educators demonstrated amid continual changes in education.
Through that work, I recognized that this dedication and wisdom are not limited to veteran teachers—they exist across all roles in our schools. The creation of VSAT reflects that belief and underscores the importance of providing opportunities for professionals to share and grow together.
VSAT’s slogan, “Sharing Wisdom and Growing Together,” captures its mission perfectly. It appears on team T-shirts, tote bags, notebooks, buttons, pens and magnets—symbols of the pride and unity that define our group.
The team currently includes 56 members and welcomes new members each August when they reach 20 years of service. VSAT is open to all veteran staff members who wish to contribute to collaboration and support efforts. Its members—teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, and child study team members—bring diverse skills and experiences that help our schools thrive. While administrators are not part of VSAT, the group has at times benefited from their support, enabling members to work together, share expertise, and foster a sense of community while making meaningful contributions across the district.
All VSAT planning and collaboration activities take place during the school day. This trust and investment have allowed VSAT members to plan, organize, and contribute meaningfully while being respected and treated as professionals—a gesture that is both empowering and deeply appreciated.
Recognizing staff excellence
In addition to its ongoing work within schools, the VSAT team has been honored to participate in district-wide events. For the past two years, VSAT members have been invited to speak and present at the first-day-of-school convocation, recognizing and congratulating staff members for their years of service and dedication. These presentations celebrate staff longevity, highlight the contributions of veteran employees and reinforce the culture of appreciation and community that VSAT works so hard to cultivate throughout the district.
The future of VSAT
VSAT’s work is just beginning. With growing membership and ongoing professional development, the team aims to expand opportunities for collaboration, connection and support. As VSAT continues to evolve, its impact on Mount Olive Township’s schools is increasingly evident: teachers feel more supported, school culture is stronger and the entire district benefits from the collective expertise of its veteran staff.
Through its staff support initiatives, professional learning efforts and dedication to fostering a positive culture, the Veteran Staff Advisory Team demonstrates how collaboration and experience can elevate an entire district. Together, we are ensuring that Mount Olive’s educational community remains strong, supportive and forward-thinking.
Dr. Stephanie Brown Tarnowski is a teacher at Mount Olive Middle School. She can be reached at stephanie.tarnowski@motsd.org.