This study addresses the impact of teacher preparation programs on novice teachers' perceived readiness for the classroom. An explanatory sequential mixed-method, three-phase design was used involving two collections of quantitative data and a focus group convened to explore themes that emerged from quantitative data. Data collected suggest whether the type of teacher preparation program completed by a preservice teacher impacts a novice teacher's perceived sense of readiness for teaching. Butin (2010) discussed "translating research into effective practice has been the weak link" (p. 4) in research studies. Studying a potential connection between teacher sense of readiness for the classroom and the needs they identify that will support them in their first year may reduce teacher attrition by providing North Carolina teacher mentor programs access to the types of support teachers feel they need in order to remain in teaching and provide teacher preparation programs with suggestions for focused instruction to meet teacher perceived needs. This study found traditionally certified teachers' perceptions of readiness to teach declined during their first year, whereas lateral entry teachers' perceptions of readiness to teach increased during their first year. Strategies to address the needs identified by teachers in the study including the needs related to teacher knowledge of learners, knowledge of subject matter, and knowledge of teaching are discussed in relation to the study's findings. [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.]