Successful teaching requires a career path of continual learning that should begin with comprehensive, high quality mentoring and induction. Effective mentoring and induction programs are gaining attention as one of the most effective strategies for improving new teacher retention rates and skills. While research results highlight a lack of consistent and systematic support for new teachers across the country, some individual districts have taken action to implement the type of induction programs that new teachers need to be successful.

This edition of Best Teaching Quality Practices considers the existing research base on mentoring and induction and highlights some successful emerging practices. Although the details of the model may differ across states and districts, we know that all programs need to match new teachers with experienced educators in the same grade level or subject area. The pair needs adequate time to not only meet, but also observe each other teaching. In addition to mentoring, successful induction programs respond to the unique needs of new teachers by adjusting teaching assignments and loads, providing them with appropriate professional development, and giving them the opportunity to learn from other teachers.