Surveys show that 98% of school districts are reporting shortages of special education teachers, and that nearly a quarter of a million new special education teachers will be needed over the next few years. Special education teachers are leaving the field at twice the rate of general education teachers. Why? Special education teachers can quickly become overwhelmed by the myriad of responsibilities in their jobs -- managing IEPs, alternative assessments, paraprofessionals, assistive technologies, complex legislation and paperwork, and the physical and emotional toll of such individualized instruction. This guide will help administrators and other educators develop and sustain effective mentoring programs specifically designed for special education teachers, providing practical, field-tested activities and resources for both the mentors and the mentees, including such critical elements as: (1)effectively identifying, recruiting, and selecting mentors; (2) action planning; (3) evaluating progress; (4) addressing diminishing support; (5) dealing with burnout and isolation; (6) vignettes of real-life mentoring experiences; (7) Figures, tables, appendices, Web sites; and (8) A ready-to-use two-day workshop for training mentors. Real-life vignettes and "What If" questions weave throughout the book, and trouble-shooting appendices direct the reader to additional Web sites and resources for further help. This book provides everything needed to effectively support and mentor special education teachers, increase their job satisfaction, and keep retention rates high. Following an Introduction: Overview, this book divides into six chapters: (1) New Special Education Teachers; (2) Supports for Special Education Teachers; (3) Designing Mentoring Programs; (4) Becoming a Mentor; (5) Effective Communication Skills; and (6) Learning About Adult Learners. Also contains references, 5 additional resources, and an index.