October 28, 2025 – Mexico Public Schools has officially launched a new student teaching program, offering future educators a $4,000 stipend while they complete their student teaching experience in the district.

Half of the stipend is funded through budgetary support from the Board of Education, with the other half provided by The Griffin Family Foundation, a local philanthropic partner committed to supporting community endeavors.

The first student teacher to sign an agreement is Taylor DeMint, a Mexico High School alum and former Bulldog athlete. Taylor is completing her student teaching at Eugene Field Elementary under the guidance of on-site coordinator Haley Schafer. She is rotating through multiple grade levels to gain hands-on experience in classrooms across the building.

Taylor’s journey to becoming a teacher began long before college. As a high school student, she completed her A+ tutoring hours in Mrs. Schafer’s elementary classroom. “During my A+ hours, I had the chance to work directly with students, and it truly opened my eyes to the impact teachers can have,” Taylor said. “Later, Mrs. Schafer reached out to tell me how much of a difference I’d made for one of her students. Her encouragement made me realize I was meant to be a teacher.”

Amber Henderson, Director of Human Resources, brought the student teaching program to MPS. “The program is part of our commitment to supporting future educators and investing in our students with community support. We are thrilled to have Taylor back in the district, learning and growing with us as she completes her student teaching.”

As part of the program, student teachers commit to teaching within MPS for the school year and receive their stipend in May upon completion. Those who continue with the district as full-time teachers will begin on Step 2 of the salary schedule, recognizing their prior experience.

For Taylor, the opportunity to return home to student teach in Mexico carries special meaning. “Being able to teach in the same community that helped shape who I am has been rewarding,” she said. “It makes me proud to contribute to the continued growth of the district.”

Taylor says she’s been inspired by the relationships she’s built in the classroom and the mentorship she’s received from MPS staff. “The support here is amazing. Teachers go out of their way to offer guidance and encouragement. The students are eager to learn, and the community’s support for education makes Mexico a great place to teach and grow.”

Looking ahead, Taylor hopes to continue her teaching career in Mexico after college graduation. “This is where my love for learning began,” she said. “I want to give back to the same community that gave so much to me.”

MPS leaders hope this new stipend program will help attract and retain talented future teachers while strengthening the local educator pipeline.

Thinking about teaching or student teaching in Mexico? Taylor encourages others to take the leap: “You’ll work with experienced, caring teachers who want to see you succeed. It’s a place where you not only develop as an educator but also truly feel part of a community.”