This paper combines the inquiry phase of the New Pathways project on faculty careers and employment with recommendations for concrete practice on campus, bringing together findings from a series of interviews of new faculty and graduate students called "Heeding New Voices" with the guide "Principles of Good Practice: Supporting Early-Career…

This study documented variations in program designs and implementation strategies, linking them to beginning teachers' professional growth, particularly reflective practices. Data were collected in six sites during 1999-00 as part of an evaluation of the implementation of the California Formative Assessment and Support System for Teachers, which…

This paper discusses findings from a research project that examined a new policy initiative--the induction of newly qualified teachers in England. The project studied the impact of a uniform statutory directive across a large school system with hitherto heterogeneous induction arrangements. The evaluation addressed the first 2 years of the…

There is an exceedingly high rate of loss of beginning teachers in the field of public education. Out of the estimated 3.1 million teaching in the United States, 11 percent, or 341,000, quit after their first year of teaching. The data also have revealed that after 2 years, another 651,000 quit and at the 5-year mark, another 1,209,000 teachers…

This paper describes the importance of teachers mentoring one another, exploring what mentorship means and reviewing literature that examines its different stages, benefits, and pitfalls. After presenting two teachers' stories of being mentored, the paper describes mentoring relationships, then highlights the stages of mentoring: invitation stage,…

Discusses the induction process of new teachers from two perspectives: subject mentor and newly qualified teacher. Highlights the importance of supporting newly qualified members of staff. (ASK)

Asserts that the key to assisting those trying to negotiate the "survival" dimensions of their first years as teachers or center directors is immediate responsiveness to concerns and needs. Recommends on-site mentors to support first-year teachers/administrators in reflective practice and to serve as sounding board, colleague, coach, and…

Discusses the need of special education teachers for a mentor to help them through the critical first year of teaching students with special needs. The different reasons why special education teachers, in particular, need mentors are listed, along with the ways mentoring assistance could be provided. (Author/CR)

Describes successful beginning teacher induction programs in two U.S. school systems, explaining how good induction programs can mean the difference between positive and toxic school cultures. Common elements include the provision of services to new teachers for 3 years, monthly meetings, ongoing training by mentors or curriculum facilitators, and…

Proposes alternative explanation for teacher shortage. Data suggest that attrition among beginning teachers, largely due to poor working conditions, is the root cause of the teacher shortage. Discusses what schools can do to reduce new-teacher attrition. (Contains 14 references.) (PKP)

Gives advice for first-year English teachers. Recounts the difficult circumstances under which one teacher was placed in the classroom unawares. Emphasizes the importance of mentors and mentoring activities. (HB)

The New Teachers Workshop assists Missouri's beginning teachers in the field of gifted education. The two-day workshop includes discussion sessions led by experienced teachers, panels of gifted students answering teacher questions, and take-home activities and projects teachers can implement in their new positions. (JDD)

Researchers investigated the effects and outcomes of two induction models used with novice teachers. Teachers participated in either a structured induction team approach or a loose buddy system. Data on teaching skills, model benefits, and changes in teacher attitudes supported the need for structured induction programs for novice teachers. (SM)

Describes an approach to mentoring new teachers in California's Conejo Valley Unified School District that addresses five phases of new teacher development, explaining that, although it is not as structured nor comprehensive an approach as the California Formative Assessment and Support System for Teachers (CFASST), it has clearly demonstrated…

Five veteran teachers reflected on the positive influences of mentoring younger colleagues. Interviews indicated that three areas enhanced the colleagues' professionalism (creating their own schedules, expanding their view of teaching, and continuing their professional growth). This paper presents insights about mentoring, noting programmatic…