APPLES Mentor of the Year

The School District of Lee County is proud to congratulate Catherine Griffin for being named the 2026 APPLES Mentor of the Year. The School District of Lee County’s APPLES Mentor of the Year program celebrates the dedication and impact of mentors who invest their time and expertise in developing first-year educators.

"I did not get the support that I give my people,” Catherine said. “If I had that support, how much better would I be in what I do with that support? And so having someone at your back, someone who's got you, someone who's a guide that helps you and still let you control the ship. That's really important to a teacher because they should feel autonomous in their own room.”

Catherine is a Peer Collaborative Teacher at Dunbar High School. She leads monthly APPLES trainings to expand her impact to all teachers new at Dunbar. She also supports new mentors in learning their roles, covering both technical and practical aspects. School Administrators say Catherin is vital to the success of the APPLES program as a whole, as well as the teachers she mentors.

"Mrs. Griffin is one of our highest performing and most reliable APPLES Mentors,” said Dunbar High School Assistant Principal Dr. Amanda Rose. “She consistently builds trust through mutual respect, creating a supportive environment where her mentees feel valued and empowered. By recognizing and building upon each teacher’s strengths, she fosters meaningful professional growth with a balance of persistence and patience that inspires lasting success.

The School District of Lee County’s APPLES Program (Accomplished Professional Practices for Lee County Education System) offers a multi-tiered system of support to new and beginning teachers. The APPLES Mentor of the Year recognizes the work and dedication of mentors serving first-year teachers for their time and expertise in building the capacity of their first-year colleagues. The nominees are individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their jobs, thereby earning the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, coworkers, parents, and the community.

The School District wishes to thank Suncoast Credit Union for its generous support of the APPLES Mentor of the Year program. Their partnership helps us honor and uplift educators who are shaping the future of our schools, and we are grateful for their continued investment in public education.

The School Board of Lee County will recognize Ms. Griffin for her award at the May 12th action meeting.