This causal-comparative, mixed-methods study examined the role of prior experience in the mentoring needs of first-year teachers from alternative certification programs in three Tennessee counties. Teachers examined were: teachers from traditional teacher education programs, teachers with no prior teacher education experience, teachers with prior military career experience, and teachers with prior corporate career experience. All first-year K-12 teachers from the three counties were asked to complete a quantitative questionnaire and volunteer for an interview. Significant differences were found in several question responses by certification group, despite the small response group of the study. Qualitative data revealed further variation by prior experience. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]