Keith helps explain little things my teachers don't, so I'll be better prepared for the classroom. He gives all the free advice I can ask for. Nicpan took her idea to IEA-Retired and received immediate support. After both groups secured grants, the students and retirees paired up in teams. Today, more than 1,300 student members work with retired mentors on a weekly basis through phone calls, E-mail, and in person.
Pairs remain together until the student graduates.
Gawlick and Hauge are typical of the helpful, caring relationships that have evolved. A student at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, Gawlik hopes to become a math teacher. Hauge, who's 76 and taught drafting and woodworking, serves as vice-chair of IEA's Retired Program. Or, depending on the kind of day I had, I can vent or gloat. Gawlick also says she appreciates the opportunity to moan and complain, things she'd never do with her supervising teacher.