This evaluative case study explores how mentors or coaches, called Associates, support beginning in-service teachers in developing reflective teaching practices, as well as which practices are most effective in supporting beginning teachers. Using a definition of effective reflective practice and a tool for gauging progress toward becoming a…

The number of teachers entering the profession through alternative teacher licensure pathways has increased dramatically in the last 10 years. The preparation these teachers receive can vary widely, making specially designed novice teacher induction programs crucial for their success. This professional practice dissertation examined the…

Serving over 1.1 million students in more than 1,800 public schools, the New York City Department of Education is the largest school district in the nation. When individuals graduate from college with a bachelor's degree in teacher education the New York City Department of Education assign a school-based mentor for one year. The case study…

Transitioning from teacher candidate to beginning teacher remains a difficult one despite school districts' efforts to provide mentoring and induction programs. This commentary examines teacher attrition and current practices used to support new teachers entering the profession. We draw on the tenets of characteristics of effective mentorships and…

It is often assumed that beginning teachers possess the skills, strategies and practices necessary for effective instructional practice and classroom management. The reality is that beginning teachers struggle to overcome the many challenges and obstacles faced in the first years of teaching. Without adequate supports, beginning teachers may…

Teacher attrition rates, although increasing across the board, are higher in Career and Technical Education (CTE) than in the regular education setting, especially those teachers who are alternatively certified. The purpose of this Delphi study was to evaluate and revise an online resource of the most beneficial aspects of new teacher mentoring…

In recent decades, there has been growing concern about teacher preparation at university and the link to educational quality. As a result, higher education institutions have designed programmes to help faculty teachers further their development in their professional careers. However, the literature pinpoints a lack of empirical evidence on…

This study investigates the relationship between new teachers' retention in the first five years of teaching and mentorship support given to teachers. The teacher shortage in the United States is a documented problem and continues to grow. The inability of the education system to attract and retain quality teachers is a significant problem in the…

The purpose of this study was to examine beginning and mentor teacher perceptions of teacher induction academies and the effects it has on teacher retention. This mixed-methods study surveyed approximately 60 teachers in a small rural school district in South Mississippi regarding their participation in teacher induction academies and its impact…

Teacher shortages and retention problems occur globally. This paper explores support for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs), in particular the role of mentoring. Reasons for mentoring NQTs include combating isolation and fostering collaboration, enhancing professional practice and retaining teachers in the profession. Three different national…

Growing numbers of school systems and employers now provide and mandate mentoring for novice teachers. Most studies, however, have focused on the extensive mentoring provided during the first year of teaching, and not on mentoring in the following years. There is little research on the functions and on the relational aspects of mentoring new…

Learning Forward is working with states, districts, and schools to develop strong, instructionally focused mentoring initiatives that result in better teaching and learning for everyone involved. Through the customized Mentor Academy, they help systems shift away from traditional "buddy" type mentoring to a program designed to foster…

The purpose and goal of this quantitative method, causal-comparative study was to explore the impact of a year-long mentorship program on the self-efficacy, collective efficacy, perceived support, retention plans, and effectiveness of novice (i.e., 1st-3rd year) teachers in a rural, public school district in Mississippi. The mentorship program…

This descriptive case study examined the perceptions of 6 beginning teachers regarding the supports offered to them during their 1st year of teaching. Based on purposeful and convenience sampling through administrative recommendations, the participants included 4 middle school 6th, 7th , and 8th grade teachers in their 2nd year of teaching. I…

There is global agreement that schools should be inclusive, however both experienced and inexperienced teachers find this challenging. In this study we explore how experienced teachers working as local mentors for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) address the challenges they face in an inclusive school. The study is designed as a qualitative study…